TORQUE INDICATING THREADED MECHANICAL FASTENING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
First Claim
1. A method of using washer deflection as a torque indicator, comprising:
- providing a threaded connection having a washer;
installing the threaded connection so that the washer is supported as a simple beam over a gap; and
using an amount of deflection of the washer as a result of torque applied by the threaded connection as an indicator the amount of torque applied.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Threaded mechanical fastening systems and methods are provided that allow the simple deflection of a washer to indicate that a desired minimum torque has been reached or that a desired maximum torque has been exceeded. The method includes providing a threaded connection having a washer, installing the threaded connection so that the washer is supported as a simple beam over a gap, and using an amount of deflection of the washer as a result of torque applied by the threaded connection as an indicator. The torque indicating threaded mechanical fastening system includes a threaded connection and a washer supported as a simple beam over a gap so that the threaded connection, when tightened to a predetermined torque, deflects, in bending, the washer into the gap.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of using washer deflection as a torque indicator, comprising:
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providing a threaded connection having a washer; installing the threaded connection so that the washer is supported as a simple beam over a gap; and using an amount of deflection of the washer as a result of torque applied by the threaded connection as an indicator the amount of torque applied. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A torque indicating threaded mechanical fastening system, comprising:
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a threaded connection; and a washer supported as a simple beam over a gap so that the threaded connection, when tightened to a predetermined torque, deflects, in bending, the washer into the gap. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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7. A spring loaded pad clamp, comprising:
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a deflection washer having an outer dimension; a threaded connection including a bolt and a nut; an upper pad having a gap having edges that support the outer dimension of the deflection washer, the threaded connection having a portion that passes through the deflection washer and the gap, the threaded connection having a contact region that contacts the deflection washer, the gap being larger than the contact region so that the threaded connection, when tightened to a predetermined torque, deflects, in bending, the deflection washer into the gap. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification