GB2499283A - Calibrated crush module - Google Patents
Calibrated crush module Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2499283A GB2499283A GB1218903.1A GB201218903A GB2499283A GB 2499283 A GB2499283 A GB 2499283A GB 201218903 A GB201218903 A GB 201218903A GB 2499283 A GB2499283 A GB 2499283A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- module
- fluid
- assembly
- capsule
- force
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012206 thread-locking fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012207 thread-locking agent Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B31/00—Screwed connections specially modified in view of tensile load; Break-bolts
- F16B31/02—Screwed connections specially modified in view of tensile load; Break-bolts for indicating the attainment of a particular tensile load or limiting tensile load
- F16B31/028—Screwed connections specially modified in view of tensile load; Break-bolts for indicating the attainment of a particular tensile load or limiting tensile load with a load-indicating washer or washer assembly
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B23/00—Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
- B25B23/14—Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers
- B25B23/15—Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers having a mechanism to mark the work when the selected torque is applied to the work
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L1/00—Measuring force or stress, in general
- G01L1/24—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis using infrared, visible light, ultraviolet
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L5/00—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
- G01L5/24—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for determining value of torque or twisting moment for tightening a nut or other member which is similarly stressed
- G01L5/243—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for determining value of torque or twisting moment for tightening a nut or other member which is similarly stressed using washers
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
Abstract
The module 5, designed to respond to a specific compressive force, includes a two-part deflection ring 25 consisting of upper and lower components and an outer casing 30. A fluid-filled capsule 40 is positioned between the lower component of the deflection ring and the outer casing. The module is placed under a nut, bolt head (e.g. 60, Figure 4), screw, rivet or cam-locking handle in an assembly that requires tightening to a specific force. As the required force is reached the capsule ruptures and releases the fluid. The capsule may give a visual indication that the required force has been attained. The fluid contained in the capsule may seal the thread in the assembly to prevent it being loosened due to vibration.
Description
1
CALIBRATED CRUSH MODULE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
5
The present invention relates to a crush module that yields at a predetermined level of compressive force, releasing a substance that visually confirms the correct force has been reached and locking the thread, preventing accidental loosening.
10
BACKGROUND
Mission-critical structures and assemblies are typically tightened during manufacture and maintenance using a torque wrench or similar device. Such a device responds in 15 some way to the amount of turning force or torque being applied to a threaded component, showing the operator when the required torque has been attained.
The amount of torque required to produce a specific compressive force in a particular assembly may depend on a number of factors including, but not necessarily confined to: 20 the pitch and profile of the thread being tightened the friction between surfaces that rotate relative to each other during tightening the characteristics of any lubricant present the characteristics of any compressible component(s) in the assembly.
Torque is thus an indirect readout of the force in an assembly, and the optimum torque 25 must be calculated by the assembly's designer based on expectations of factors such as those listed above and others.
Torque wrenches also have a tendency to go out of range; such tools used in mission-critical applications often require periodic recalibration. Finally, the fact that an 30 assembly has been tightened to a specific torque will not be apparent for subsequent inspection or verification; a further process is needed, which may itself be prone to error.
2
It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to mitigate the disadvantages of the use of torque wrenches by responding directly to the force present in an assembly, removing the variables listed (page 1 lines 20-23) and others, and by obviating the need to periodically check the wrench's accuracy.
5
It is a further aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide a means of visually indicating when the assembly has been tightened to the predetermined level of force.
10 It is a further aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide a means of sealing the thread so that it does not become loosened over time due to vibration.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
15
In a first aspect of the invention there is provided;
A module, to be placed between a nut or the head of a bolt or screw and the adjacent component of the structure or assembly which is to be tightened, comprising; 20 a two-part deflection ring,
an outer casing,
and a rupturable fluid-containing capsule positioned in the cavity between the lower surface of the deflection ring and the outer casing;
25
wherein the action of tightening the bolt, nut or screw presses on the deflection ring causing it to distort and encroach on the cavity between the lower surface of the deflection ring and the upper surface of the outer casing, thereby rupturing the capsule and releasing the fluid contained in it.
30
Embodiments of the invention have the advantage that, by varying the material from which the lower part of the deflection ring is made and/or its thickness, and/or the shape and depth of the cavity between the deflection ring and the outer casing, the force required to rupture the fluid-containing capsule can be varied.
3
Embodiments of the invention have the further advantage that the release of fluid from the fluid-containing capsule gives a positive indication that the assembly has been tightened to the degree intended by its designer.
5
Embodiments of the invention have the additional advantage that the incorporation of a further fluid-containing capsule or capsules can give additional functionality including, but not limited to, a visual alert that the assembly has been tightened beyond its intended force, and/or that the assembly has been loosened subsequent to its correct 10 tightening.
Embodiments of the invention also have the advantage that their use is not limited to applications where the mechanism providing the force is a threaded bolt or screw. Instead it can indicate correct force when tightened by an alternative means exemplified 15 by, but not confined to, a rivet or cam-locking handle.
Embodiments of the invention have a yet further advantage that the fluid contained within the capsule can be a thread locking fluid, so that when the fluid is released as well as indicating the optimum force has been reached it will also lock the bolt, nut or 20 screw to its mating thread so as to maintain this optimum force over a long period of time and not creep into a relaxed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
25
Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the calibrated crush module.
30
FIGURE 2 shows the two components of the deflection ring sub-assembly: FIGURE 2A is an underside view of the lower component or washer; FIGURE 2B shows the components in exploded view; and FIGURE 2C shows the components assembled.
4
FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional elevation of the calibrated crush module: FIGURE 3A shows the components in exploded view; FIGURE 3B is a cross-sectional elevation of the complete module.
5 FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional elevation of the complete calibrated crush module located on the assembly onto which it will be tightened and with a bolt in situ: FIGURE 4A shows the assembly prior to tightening; FIGURE 4B shows the assembly fully tightened.
10
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In a first embodiment of the present invention FIGURE 1 shows a plan view of the calibrated crush module 5. 10 is the upper component and 15 the lower component of 15 the deflection ring sub-assembly. 30 is the outer casing and 50 is the hole in which a bolt or threaded rod or screw will be positioned as the module is being used.
FIGURE 2 shows deflection ring sub-assembly 25. FIGURE 2A is an underside view of the lower component 15, illustrating radial vent grooves 20 to encourage fluid to escape 20 to the upper surfaces of the module for visual verification of the required force having been reached, although it is to be appreciated that other means of encouraging fluid to escape could be employed. FIGURE 2B shows the upper 10 and lower 15 components of the deflection ring sub-assembly in exploded view. FIGURE 2C shows the components assembled, with the tubular projection of the upper component 10 flared to 25 hold the sub-assembly 25 together while allowing relative rotation of the two components. It is to be appreciated that the sub-assembly could be constructed in alternative ways in order to achieve the same objective.
FIGURE 3 shows the components of the calibrated crush module 5. FIGURE 3A is an 30 exploded cross-sectional elevation showing the deflection ring sub-assembly 25, rupturable fluid-filled capsule 40, and outer casing 30. In this embodiment the fluid-filled capsule 40 is toroidal in form, although it is to be appreciated that other shaped capsules could be used. FIGURE 3B is a cross-sectional elevation of the complete calibrated crush module 5, with the cylindrical projection 45 at the top of the outer
5
casing 30 formed over to trap the deflection ring sub-assembly 25 by the outer edge of its lower component 15, although it is appreciated that other methods could be employed to fulfil this objective.
5 In this embodiment the capsule contains a threadlocking fluid such as 3M Scotch-Weld Anaerobic Threadlocker TL43, although it is to be appreciated that other fluids could be used.
In this embodiment the capsule is made of a thin plastic film, but it is to be appreciated 10 that other materials could also be used.
In this embodiment a single capsule is used, although it is to be appreciated that multiple capsules containing the same or different fluids could be used.
15 In this embodiment the parts of the module other than the fluid-filled capsule 40 are made from metal, although it is to be appreciated that other materials could also be used.
FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional elevation of the complete calibrated crush module 5 20 located on the assembly 55 onto which it will be tightened and with a bolt 60 in situ: FIGURE 4A shows the assembly prior to tightening; FIGURE 4B shows the assembly fully tightened, with the deflection ring having ruptured the fluid-filled capsule.
In use, the module is placed under the nut or the head of a bolt or screw securing an 25 assembly prior to tightening. As the nut, bolt or screw is tightened, force is produced which distorts the lower component of the deflection ring until its upper and lower surfaces are in full contact with the ramped surfaces of the upper component of the deflection ring and the outer casing. At this point the fluid-filled capsule ruptures, releasing its contents.
30
The degree of tightness required to achieve this condition is controlled by the diameter, thickness and material of the lower component of the deflection ring, and by the profile of the matching ramps on the upper component of the deflection ring and the outer
6
casing. By manipulating these variables, modules can be designed which operate at different compressive forces.
Other arrangements are also useful.
5
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.
10
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
15
Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.
20
7
Claims (11)
1 A module, designed to respond to a predetermined compressive force, comprising: a two-part deflection ring, consisting of first and second components,
an outer casing,
a fluid-filled capsule positioned between the second component of the deflection ring and the outer casing,wherein the module is placed under a nut, bolt head or screw head in an assembly that requires tightening to the predetermined compressive force, and releases the fluid from the fluid-filled capsule at the point the predetermined compressive force is attained, wherein the second component comprises radial vent grooves provided on a surface of the second component that faces the fluid-filled capsule when in an installed configuration.
2 A module as in Claim 1 wherein the fluid contained in the capsule gives visual indication that the predetermined compressive force has been attained.
3 A module as in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid contained in the capsule is capable of sealing the thread in the assembly to prevent it being loosened accidentally due to vibration.
4 A module as in any preceding claim containing more than one fluid-filled capsule wherein additional capsules rupture at different forces .
5 A module as in any preceding claim designed to be placed under a non-threaded tightening device.
6 A module as in any preceding claim wherein the material from which the second component of the deflection ring is made is selected to provide a particular predetermined compressive force at which the fluid is released.
7 A module as in any preceding claim wherein the thickness of the second component of the deflection ring is selected to provide a particular predetermined compressive force at which the fluid is released.
10
Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:
8 A module as in any preceding claim wherein the shape and depth of a cavity between the deflection ring and the outer casing is selected to provide a particular predetermined compressive force at which the fluid is released.
9 A module as in any preceding claim designed to be used with a nut, bolt, screw, rivet, cam-locking handle or other force-producing device.
10 A product, device or assembly comprising the module of any of the preceding claims.
11 A module as described herein, with reference to, and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
•.'????.• INTELLECTUAL
*.*. .V PROPERTY OFFICE
11
Application No: GB1218903.1 Examiner: IanBlackmore
Claims searched: 1-8 Date of search: 7 March 2013
Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17
Documents considered to be relevant:
Category
Relevant to claims
Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance
X
1,2,4-8
US4170163 A (PAYNE) see figure 6
X
1,2,4-8
DE4324878 A
(BERWALD) see WPI Abstract Accession No.1995-015197 [03]
X
1,2,5-8
US4613254 A (LIEBIG) see figure 1
X
1,2,5-8
JP10281127 A
(GOTO) see WPI Abstract Accession No.1999-006541 [01]
Categories:
X
Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive
A
Document indicating technological background and/or state
step
of the art.
Y
Document indicating lack of inventive step if
P
Document published on or after the declared priority date but
combined with one or more other documents of
before the filing date of this invention.
same category.
&
Member of the same patent family
E
Patent document published on or after, but with priority date
earlier than, the filing date of this application.
Field of Search:
Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKC :
International Classification:
Subclass
Subgroup
Valid From
F16B
0031/02
01/01/2006
B25B
0023/15
01/01/2006
Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201218903A GB2499283B (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2012-10-22 | Calibrated crush module |
| PCT/GB2013/051400 WO2014064413A1 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2013-05-28 | Calibrated crush module |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201218903A GB2499283B (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2012-10-22 | Calibrated crush module |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201218903D0 GB201218903D0 (en) | 2012-12-05 |
| GB2499283A true GB2499283A (en) | 2013-08-14 |
| GB2499283B GB2499283B (en) | 2014-03-26 |
Family
ID=47359226
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201218903A Expired - Fee Related GB2499283B (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2012-10-22 | Calibrated crush module |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2499283B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2014064413A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017214639A1 (en) * | 2016-06-09 | 2017-12-14 | Ncm Innovations (Pty) Ltd | Progressive load indicator |
| EP3910163A1 (en) * | 2020-05-14 | 2021-11-17 | Sandvik Mining and Construction Tools AB | A tension indicator for a rock bolt |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4170163A (en) * | 1977-07-27 | 1979-10-09 | Modulus Corporation | Visual indicator |
| US4613254A (en) * | 1983-03-19 | 1986-09-23 | Heinrich Liebig | Expanding dowel with setting-force indicator |
| DE4324878A1 (en) * | 1993-07-25 | 1994-12-08 | Berwald Werner | Screw-securing means with optical function display |
| JPH10281127A (en) * | 1997-04-09 | 1998-10-20 | Bonpei Goto | Display member for visually recognizing fastened condition in fastened part |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH1193929A (en) * | 1997-09-18 | 1999-04-06 | Bonpei Goto | Member for visible recognition of fastened state of fastened part |
| JP2005140314A (en) * | 2003-11-09 | 2005-06-02 | Keizo Tanaka | Washer with suitable fastening torque indication |
| DE102010042263A1 (en) * | 2010-10-11 | 2012-04-12 | Hilti Aktiengesellschaft | Sensor arrangement, for example on an anchor bolt |
-
2012
- 2012-10-22 GB GB201218903A patent/GB2499283B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2013
- 2013-05-28 WO PCT/GB2013/051400 patent/WO2014064413A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4170163A (en) * | 1977-07-27 | 1979-10-09 | Modulus Corporation | Visual indicator |
| US4613254A (en) * | 1983-03-19 | 1986-09-23 | Heinrich Liebig | Expanding dowel with setting-force indicator |
| DE4324878A1 (en) * | 1993-07-25 | 1994-12-08 | Berwald Werner | Screw-securing means with optical function display |
| JPH10281127A (en) * | 1997-04-09 | 1998-10-20 | Bonpei Goto | Display member for visually recognizing fastened condition in fastened part |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017214639A1 (en) * | 2016-06-09 | 2017-12-14 | Ncm Innovations (Pty) Ltd | Progressive load indicator |
| EP3910163A1 (en) * | 2020-05-14 | 2021-11-17 | Sandvik Mining and Construction Tools AB | A tension indicator for a rock bolt |
| WO2021228981A1 (en) * | 2020-05-14 | 2021-11-18 | Sandvik Mining And Construction Tools Ab | A tension indicator for a rock bolt |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2499283B (en) | 2014-03-26 |
| WO2014064413A1 (en) | 2014-05-01 |
| GB201218903D0 (en) | 2012-12-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20181022 |