# US 2014/0190267 A1 · Fastener tension monitoring system

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- Number: US 2014/0190267 A1
- Document ID: US20140190267A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 13/737,908
- Filed: 2013-01-09
- Published: 2014-07-10
- Earliest claimed: 2013-01-09
- Assignees: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology; King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
- Applicants: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals; King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
- Inventors: SAMIR MEKID; UTHMAN BAROUDI
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140190267A1

## CPC

- G01L 5/0038: {applying a pushing force}
- F16B 31/02: for indicating {the attainment of a particular tensile load} or limiting tensile load {(apparatus for, or method of, determining value of torque or twisting moment for tightening a nut or other member similarly stressed G01L5/24)}
- G01L 1/16: using properties of piezoelectric devices
- G01L: MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE (weighing G01G)
- F16B: DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D)

## Abstract

The fastener tension monitoring system provides for automatic notification when a structural tensile fastener, such as a bolt, is loosened. The system incorporates piezoelectric material in the core of the fastener shank or deposited around the shank. The piezoelectric material communicates electrically with an electrical storage device, a microprocessor, and a transmitter installed on the fastener head. Vibration or other changes in the tensile force developed by the fastener result in electrical impulses being generated by the piezoelectric material, generating electrical energy that is stored in the storage device and used to operate the microprocessor. In the event that an out of tolerance condition is sensed by the microprocessor, the transmitter is activated to send a signal to that effect. A receiver and computer are provided to monitor any such signals. The piezoelectric material may include pyroelectric material as well for the generation of electrical energy due to temperature changes.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A fastener tension monitoring system, comprising:
a threaded bolt having a head and an elongate shank extending from the head;
piezoelectric material disposed along at least a portion of the shank;
an impedance reader, microcontroller, and transmitter disposed atop the head of the bolt, the impedance reader, microcontroller, and transmitter communicating electrically with the piezoelectric material; and
an electrical energy storage device disposed atop the head of the bolt, the electrical energy storage device communicating electrically with the impedance reader, microcontroller, transmitter, and piezoelectric material.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The fastener tension monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric material also exhibits pyroelectric properties for generating electricity in response to environmental changes of temperature.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The fastener tension monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein:
the shank of the bolt includes an elongate receptacle formed therein; and
the piezoelectric material is disposed within the receptacle.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The fastener tension monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric material is disposed circumferentially about the shank of the bolt.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The fastener tension monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a receiver remotely disposed from the transmitter, the receiver communicating with the transmitter; and
a computer communicating with the receiver.