Smart installation and monitoring system for large anchor bolts of support structures for highway signs, luminaries and traffic signals (SLTS)
US10788384B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2018 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B5/065
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method, apparatus, and system to quantify tension forces of the anchor bolts for, e.g., SLTS support structures. A sensing assembly comprising one or more washers is installed along an anchor bolt. The sensing assembly comprises two spaced-apart surfaces between which a capacitance can be measured if electrical potential is created between the surfaces. The capacitance between the surfaces can be calibrated to bolt tension based on the relative distance between the surfaces. An RFRD circuit is connected to the two surfaces. An RF interrogation signal can supply the electrical potential and allow a reading of the responsive capacitance between surfaces to convert the capacitance reading into a bolt tension. Additionally, the introduction of the battery-free RFRD allows data to be acquired wirelessly from a distance, enabling an entirely new method of inspection. With minimum additional hardware cost, it provides a cost-effective way to replace traditional bolt installation and inspection methods.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.