Method and apparatus for measuring a preload of a fastener
First Claim
1. A tool for measuring a preload of a fastener, the tool configured to be attached to a wrench, comprising a handle, the tool comprising:
- a socket;
an adapter, detachably and non-rotatably coupled to the socket,wherein the adapter is configured to be removably attached to the wrench;
a transducer, coupled to the adapter,wherein the transducer is configured to be translatable relative to the adapter and rotatable relative to the adapter and to the handle of the wrench about at least one axis;
a bearing assembly, disposed within a chamber of the adapter,wherein the bearing assembly rotatably couples the transducer to the adapter; and
a sleeve, disposed between the bearing assembly and the adapter within the chamber of the adapter,wherein the bearing assembly slidably couples the transducer to the adapter.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for measuring a preload of a fastener. The method, which may be practiced at least in part by the apparatus, includes establishing an initial value associated with an absence of the preload of the fastener and providing an adapter and a transducer rotatably coupled to the adapter. The transducer may be positioned in contact with the fastener. The transducer is caused to direct an incident ultrasonic wave to the fastener and to receive a reflected ultrasonic wave from the fastener. Data associated with the incident ultrasonic wave and the reflected sonic wave is used to generate a modified value associated with the preload of the fastener, and the preload of the fastener is calculated based on a difference between the initial value and the modified value.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A tool for measuring a preload of a fastener, the tool configured to be attached to a wrench, comprising a handle, the tool comprising:
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a socket; an adapter, detachably and non-rotatably coupled to the socket, wherein the adapter is configured to be removably attached to the wrench; a transducer, coupled to the adapter, wherein the transducer is configured to be translatable relative to the adapter and rotatable relative to the adapter and to the handle of the wrench about at least one axis; a bearing assembly, disposed within a chamber of the adapter, wherein the bearing assembly rotatably couples the transducer to the adapter; and a sleeve, disposed between the bearing assembly and the adapter within the chamber of the adapter, wherein the bearing assembly slidably couples the transducer to the adapter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification