Torque monitoring device
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsEric J. Johannsen, Timothy A. McKinley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A torque monitoring device for a fastener is provided. The torque monitoring device includes a sensing element mounted within the fastener. The sensing element measures a value of fastener elongation. The torque monitoring device also includes a receiving element coupled to a torque machine. The receiving element is communicably coupled with the sensing element. The receiving element is configured to receive the value of fastener elongation from the sensing element. The receiving element is also configured to generate an alert for terminating a torque operation being performed by the torque machine when the value of fastener elongation exceeds a pre-set value of fastener elongation.
Claims20
A torque monitoring device for a fastener, the torque monitoring device comprising:
- a sensing element mounted within the fastener, wherein the sensing element measures a value of fastener elongation;
- and
- a receiving element coupled to a torque machine, the receiving element being communicably coupled with the sensing element, wherein the receiving element is configured to:
- receive the value of fastener elongation from the sensing element;
- and
- generate an alert for terminating a torque operation being performed by the torque machine when the value of fastener elongation exceeds a pre-set value of fastener elongation.
A method of performing a torque operation on a fastener for coupling a first component with a second component, wherein the torque operation is performed by a torque machine, the method comprising:
- mounting a sensing element within the fastener, wherein the sensing element measures a value of fastener elongation;
- coupling a receiving element with a torque machine, the receiving element being communicably coupled with the sensing element, wherein the receiving element receives the value of fastener elongation from the sensing element;
- performing a torque operation on the fastener for coupling the first and second components;
- generating an alert, by the receiving element, when the value of fastener elongation exceeds a pre-set value of fastener elongation;
- and
- terminating the torque operation based on the alert generated by the receiving element.
An undercarriage joint comprising:
- a track shoe adapted to contact a ground surface;
- a track link for coupling with the track shoe;
- and
- a fastener for coupling the track link with the track shoe, the fastener including a sensing element mounted therein for measuring a value of fastener elongation,
- wherein a torque machine is used to perform a torque operation on the fastener for coupling the track link with the track shoe, the torque machine including a receiving element communicably coupled with the sensing element, wherein the receiving element is configured to:
- receive the value of fastener elongation from the sensing element;
- and
- generate an alert for terminating the torque operation when the value of fastener elongation exceeds a pre-set value of fastener elongation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.