Method and apparatus for indicating a load

Details Method and apparatus for indicating a load Method and apparatus for indicating a load

1996-07-12

1997-09-16

Chilcot, Richard

Measuring and testing

Specimen stress or strain, or testing by stress or strain...

Threaded fastener stress

411 14, G01L 100

Patent

active

056683235

ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides an innovative method and apparatus for determining continuous, visual clamp load status during tightening and throughout the life of a fastener. The present invention provides a nondeformable element (or in some cases elements) that is suitably configured and positioned within a fastener to amplify the deformation of the fastener as a load is applied to the fastener. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a lever is connected at an internal pivot point of a cartridge. One end of the lever rests upon an abutment within the fastener, while the other end serves as an indicator. As the fastener is tightened, the fastener will elongate causing the abutment to move away form the lever end. As the abutment moves, the lever rotates causing the indicator end to move relative to the visual scale which is calibrated to indicate clamping force. If the fastener loses tension, the fastener will contract, thereby forcing the lever to rotate toward its original position. Assembly and calibration of the device requires the simple, inexpensive process of rotating a cartridge.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2995033 (1961-08-01), Stifano, Jr.
patent: 3943819 (1976-03-01), Charron
patent: 3954004 (1976-05-01), Orner
patent: 4934884 (1990-06-01), Rooke

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