Thread forming fasteners for ultrasonic load measurement and control
US7946179B2 · kind B2 · utility
4Cited by
75References
13Claims
0Family size
Assignee
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Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/42
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ultrasonic load measurement transducer is mated with a thread-forming fastener to provide a load indicating thread-forming fastener that can be used for the precise and reliable assembly of critical bolted joints, such as those in the automobile and aerospace industries, among others. Steps can then be taken to accurately measure and control the load in the thread-forming fastener during tightening, and to inspect the load in the thread-forming fastener after assembly. A similar result can be achieved for a thread-locking fastener by mating an ultrasonic transducer with the thread-locking fastener assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.