Thread forming fasteners for ultrasonic load measurement and control
First Claim
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1. A method of making a load indicating, thread-forming fastener, comprising the steps of:
- providing a fastener having a first end including a surface for receiving an ultrasonic transducer, for making ultrasonic load measurements in the fastener, a shank extending from the first end and including thread-forming portions for tapping a hole, and a second end, opposite the first end and including a surface for reflecting an ultrasonic wave back to the first end; and
attaching the ultrasonic transducer to a head associated with the first end of the thread-forming fastener, for engagement by a tool for applying a torque to the fastener.
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Abstract
An ultrasonic load measurement transducer is mated with a thread-forming fastener to provide a load indicating thread-forming fastener that can be used for the precise and reliable assembly of critical bolted joints, such as those in the automobile and aerospace industries, among others. Steps can then be taken to accurately measure and control the load in the thread-forming fastener during tightening, and to inspect the load in the thread-forming fastener after assembly. A similar result can be achieved for a thread-locking fastener by mating an ultrasonic transducer with the thread-locking fastener assembly.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method of making a load indicating, thread-forming fastener, comprising the steps of:
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providing a fastener having a first end including a surface for receiving an ultrasonic transducer, for making ultrasonic load measurements in the fastener, a shank extending from the first end and including thread-forming portions for tapping a hole, and a second end, opposite the first end and including a surface for reflecting an ultrasonic wave back to the first end; and attaching the ultrasonic transducer to a head associated with the first end of the thread-forming fastener, for engagement by a tool for applying a torque to the fastener. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of making a load indicating, thread-forming fastener, comprising the steps of:
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providing a fastener having a first end including a surface for receiving an ultrasonic transducer, for making ultrasonic load measurements in the fastener, a shank extending from the first end and including thread-forming portions for tapping a hole, and a second end, opposite the first end and including a surface for reflecting an ultrasonic wave back to the first end; attaching the ultrasonic transducer to a head associated with the first end of the thread-forming fastener, for engagement by a tool for applying a torque to the fastener; and applying an identifying element to the fastener, wherein the identifying element includes data associated with the fastener. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification