Smart washer for pre-load monitoring
US9964135B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B31/028
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pre-load monitor is arranged for use between a washer face of a fastener and a bearing surface of a fixture arranged to receive a portion of a shank of the fastener. The pre-load monitor, which can be in the form of a washer, includes a piezoelectric generator which generates the electrical power to measure, monitor and report the pre-load. The resulting electrical power produced is proportional to the pre-load and can be stored to provide the energy required to function electrical, electronic and communication circuits included in the washer. Alternatively, the pre-load monitor can be a half- or split ring (or a C-ring) constructed similarly to that of the washer, or the ring can be a two-piece gasket construction that includes an array of the washers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.