Fastener characterization with an electromagnetic acoustic transducer
First Claim
1. A device for measuring a load on a fastener and for monitoring the integrity of the fastener, the device comprising:
- means for engaging the fastener, said engaging means having an interior space, the interior space of the engaging means being located between the engaging means and the fastener;
drive means for transmitting a load to the fastener through said engaging means, said drive means being detachably engageable with said engaging means;
a coil located in the interior space near the fastener for introducing an eddy current in the fastener;
means for providing current to said coil;
a magnet engaging the coil in the interior space and being attached to said drive means for providing a magnetic field, the magnet and the coil generating a noncontact ultrasonic signal in the fastener;
detection means for measuring time of flight and detecting a change in the ultrasonic signal provided to the fastener; and
display means for showing any change in the ultrasonic signal indicative of a flaw.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for measuring a load on a part and for monitoring the integrity of the part such as a bolt, comprises a socket having walls defining an interior space wherein the socket engages the bolt for transmitting a load to the bolt. An electromagnetic acoustic transducer comprising a magnet and a coil is located in the interior space of the socket near the bolt. The coil provides a current while the magnet provides a magnetic field such that the magnet and the coil generate an ultrasonic signal within the bolt. A detector is used to detect and measure a change in the ultrasonic signal at the bolt for measuring the load on the bolt and for detecting any flaws in the bolt.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A device for measuring a load on a fastener and for monitoring the integrity of the fastener, the device comprising:
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means for engaging the fastener, said engaging means having an interior space, the interior space of the engaging means being located between the engaging means and the fastener; drive means for transmitting a load to the fastener through said engaging means, said drive means being detachably engageable with said engaging means; a coil located in the interior space near the fastener for introducing an eddy current in the fastener; means for providing current to said coil; a magnet engaging the coil in the interior space and being attached to said drive means for providing a magnetic field, the magnet and the coil generating a noncontact ultrasonic signal in the fastener; detection means for measuring time of flight and detecting a change in the ultrasonic signal provided to the fastener; and display means for showing any change in the ultrasonic signal indicative of a flaw. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for measuring a load on a fastener and for monitoring the integrity of the fastener, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing means for engaging a fastener, the engaging means having walls defining an interior space; engaging the fastener such that the interior space is provided between the engaging means and the fastener; transmitting a load to the fastener with drive means through the engaging means, the drive means being detachably engageable with the engaging means; attaching a magnet with a coil to the drive means so that the magnet and coil are positioned in the interior space of the engaging means; generating a magnetic field in the interior space of the engaging means; providing a current in the interior space such that the current and the magnetic field produce a noncontact ultrasonic signal in the fastener; measuring time of flight of the ultrasonic signal in the fastener; detecting a change in the ultrasonic signal; and displaying any change in the ultrasonic signal indicative of a flaw. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification