Instrumented, load-sensing washer

Abstract

An instrumented, load-sensing washer that can be used on a bolted joint to facilitate determining an axial clamping load of the bolted joint. The washer includes an annular washer body having first and second oppositely disposed axial ends and an outer circumferential sidewall. At least one strain gauge is provided on the circumferential sidewall and is configured to sense a deformation of the washer body do to clamping forces of the bolted joint. The washer further includes a communication assembly operatively coupled with the at least one strain gauge. The communication assembly may include an integrated circuit adapted to receive electrical signals from the at least one strain gauge related to the axial load borne by the washer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.