Devices, Systems and Methods for Driving Fasteners and Confirming Fastening Conditions
OwnerChristopher V. Beckmaninventor
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Abstract
Improved techniques for monitoring and managing individual fasteners and fastener driver conditions within varying materials, are provided. In some aspects of the application, fastener tightness is monitored by a control system, and remedial actions are taken when fastener tightness indicates the absence of a desired condition of the fastener or a material in which it is embedded. In other aspects, fastener seating is monitored by a control system, and remedial actions are taken when a change in fastener seating indicates damage or another adverse condition of the fastener or a material in which it is embedded.
Claims18
A fastener driving system, comprising:
- fastener driving hardware;
- and
- a control system, comprising computer software and hardware;
- wherein the control system performs operations to:
- sense the presence of a desired installation condition while driving a fastener;
- and
- apply remedial actions if said sensed condition does not indicate the presence of a condition persistently within a preset tolerable range for that condition, for a preset threshold of time.
A fastener driving system, comprising:
- fastener driving hardware;
- and
- a control system, comprising computer software and hardware, and a sensor;
- wherein the control system is configured to:
- sense the presence of a desired installation condition from driving a fastener with said fastener driving hardware;
- and
- wherein said desired installation condition is monitored for a pre-determined threshold of time to determine whether said desired installation condition has been maintained within a pre-determined range of values.
A method for optimizing fastener tightness, comprising the following steps:
- providing a fastener driving system, comprising:
- fastener driving hardware;
- and
- a control system, comprising computer software and hardware;
- wherein the control system performs operations to:
- sense the presence of a desired installation condition while driving a fastener;
- and
- apply remedial actions if said sensed condition does not indicate the presence of a condition persistently within a preset tolerable range for that condition, for a preset threshold of time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.