Fastener tightening system utilizing identification technology
First Claim
1. A fastener tightening system comprising:
- a tightening tool configured to apply torque to a fastener;
a fastener data storage device located on the fastener to store data related to the associated fastener;
at least one component data storage device located on a component receiving the fastener to store data related to a tightening process;
a data sensor configured to sense data stored on the fastener data storage device and the at least one component data storage device; and
a controller configured to regulate operation of the tightening tool based on the sensed data and the sensed parameter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed toward a fastener tightening system. The system has a tightening tool configured to apply a torque to a fastener. Additionally, the system has a fastener data storage device located on the fastener and configured to store data related to the associated fastener. The system further has at least one component data storage device located on a component receiving the fastener to store data related to a tightening process. A data sensor is also included and is configured to sense data stored on the fastener data storage device and the at least one component data storage device. The system also has a controller configured to regulate operation of the tightening tool based on the sensed data and the sensed parameter.
79 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A fastener tightening system comprising:
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a tightening tool configured to apply torque to a fastener; a fastener data storage device located on the fastener to store data related to the associated fastener; at least one component data storage device located on a component receiving the fastener to store data related to a tightening process; a data sensor configured to sense data stored on the fastener data storage device and the at least one component data storage device; and a controller configured to regulate operation of the tightening tool based on the sensed data and the sensed parameter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for tightening a fastener comprising:
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reading data stored on a component and the fastener; applying a first torque to the fastener based on the read data; adjusting the magnitude of the applied first torque based on the read data; applying a subsequent torque to the fastener based on the read data; and adjusting the magnitude of the applied subsequent torque based on the read data. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A fastener tightening system comprising:
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a tightening tool configured to apply a torque to a fastener; a strain sensor configured to sense a parameter of the fastener indicative of an elongation of the fastener; a stress sensor configured to sense a parameter of the fastener indicative of the magnitude of an applied torque; a fastener data storage device located on the fastener to store identification data to identify the associated fastener; at least one component data storage device located on a component receiving the fastener to store data related to a tightening process; a controller configured to determine a tightening sequence, an initial target axial load, and multiple subsequent target axial loads based on the sensed data, and regulate operation of the tightening tool based on the determined tightening sequence, initial target axial load, and subsequent target axial load. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification