Threaded mechanical fastening systems and methods are provided that allow the simple deflection of a washer to indicate that a desired minimum torque has been reached or that a desired maximum torque has been exceeded. The method includes providing a threaded connection having a washer, installing the threaded connection so that the washer is supported as a simple beam over a gap, and using an amount of deflection of the washer as a result of torque applied by the threaded connection as an indicator. The torque indicating threaded mechanical fastening system includes a threaded connection and a washer supported as a simple beam over a gap so that the threaded connection, when tightened to a predetermined torque, deflects, in bending, the washer into the gap.

A system includes a heat sink, a semiconductor device, a layer of thermal interface material (TIM) disposed between the heat sink and the semiconductor device, and a fastener system that couples the semiconductor device, the layer of TIM, and the heat sink together. The TIM may facilitate dissipation of heat generated by the semiconductor device via the heat sink during operation of the semiconductor device. The fastener system includes a first Belleville-type washer configured to cooperate with the TIM, which flows when heated beyond a threshold temperature, to maintain a substantially constant coupling force between the semiconductor device and the heat sink during operation of the semiconductor device.

A load-indicating washer for use with a fastener. The washer is comprised of a circular base plate, a domed cap that projects from the base plate, a cavity formed between the circular base plate and the domed cap, and a fastener hole that extends through the circular base plate and the domed cap. The domed cap is configured to collapse into the cavity upon application of a force that exceeds a threshold.

A threaded joint arrangement with visual and tactile indication of correct tightening force, includes a threaded fastener having a fastener shaft and a fastener head, a biasing member, a first object provided with a cavity in a reference surface with a bottom surface provided with a through hole, and a second object with a threaded hole. The through hole is aligned with the threaded hole and the fastener shaft extends through the through hole and is in threaded engagement with the threaded hole. The biasing member is arranged in the cavity between the fastener head and the bottom surface and is compressed between the fastener head and the bottom surface in response to rotation of the threaded fastener. An alignment surface is movable by rotation of the threaded fastener between a first position outside the cavity, a second position flush with the reference surface and a third position inside cavity.

The present invention relates to a sensing system that, in a preferred embodiment, can be readily integrated into load-lifting structures (such as wings and landing gears) to provide real-time DPHM and obviate/mitigate catastrophic problems. Broadly, the present sensing system combines at least one shim portion with at least one nanogenerator such as a TENG or a PENG. A major advantage of the present sensing system is that it combines in a single structure the following functions: (a) gap management in the component in which the sensing system is installed, (b) collection/storage of measured data for the component in which the sensing system is installed, (c) harvesting/storing energy from operation environment of the component in which the sensing system is installed (e.g., DPHM data when the present sensing system is used for assessment of an aircraft's structural conditions), and (d) wireless transmission of measured data for the component in which the sensing system is installed to a user interface.

Threaded mechanical fastening systems and methods are provided that allow the simple deflection of a washer to indicate that a desired minimum torque has been reached or that a desired maximum torque has been exceeded. The method includes providing a threaded connection having a washer, installing the threaded connection so that the washer is supported as a simple beam over a gap, and using an amount of deflection of the washer as a result of torque applied by the threaded connection as an indicator. The torque indicating threaded mechanical fastening system includes a threaded connection and a washer supported as a simple beam over a gap so that the threaded connection, when tightened to a predetermined torque, deflects, in bending, the washer into the gap.

A retention tie system for pre- or post-construction installation to stabilize masonry or composite walls. The system comprises a tie member anchored in an anchor hole bored into the existing foundation and a tensioned against a base plate and a cover plate seated along the top of the wall. A bracing member is used to provide lateral stability to the respective plate members. A tension washer is used to ensure that the tie members are tensioned to the appropriate load. A guide member is installed within the masonry wall to brace the tie members against lateral deflection.

The invention resides in a sensor unit (100) for measuring and monitoring a plurality of parameters associated with an asset or equipment (126, 128) having a fixing connected thereto. The asset can typically be an object, such as a rail or motor casing, that is fixed, using a fixing (122) such as a bolt. The sensor unit has a housing (112) having a portion (120) for receiving a fixing therethrough; sensors (114) arranged to measure and/or monitor (i) parameters associated with a fixing that is secured to the asset via housing and/or (ii) parameters influencing the performance of the asset; a processor (142) configured to process data from the sensors; and a communicator (116) adapted to transmit said data to a remote device. At least one of the sensors can be an inductive sensor, which can measures the displacement or force applied to a fixing against the asset to which it is fixed, said fixing is biased against a resilient member located in the housing. The sensor unit can operate in at least one of a plurality of modes including: a first mode, in which the sensor unit samples one or more parameters periodically at a first sample rate, a second mode, in which the sensor unit detects the occurrence of an event, and a third mode, in which the sensor unit monitors one or more parameters periodically at a second sample rate, which second sample rate is greater than the first sample rate, and wherein the data obtained in said modes is communicable with the system and/or the reader.

A system for remotely retrieving sensed conditions at one or more building components. The building components are remote or numerous so that a wireless collection of the sensed conditions provides a significant benefit to a builder or building operator. A remote transceiver sends a wireless signal to a building component. The building component includes an onboard transceiver. At least some of the energy from the transmitted wireless signal is received by the onboard transceiver, sent to a storage device, and stored therein. The stored energy is used to operate a sensor for sensing an onboard condition. The onboard condition is then wirelessly transmitted by the onboard transceiver back to the remote transceiver to be displayed.

A sensor (1) for measuring a tightening force applied on a screw-assembly member (2). The measurement sensor includes a ring and an electronic device comprising a longitudinal support strip having two opposite ends. The support strip is installed on a flat surface of the ring. The electronic device (26) includes a first circuit capable of generating a signal representative of a tightening force applied in a tightening direction on one of the two opposing faces; a second circuit capable of generating a signal representative of the distance of the applied force from the center of the ring in a first direction perpendicular to the tightening direction; and a third circuit capable of generating another signal representative of the distance of the applied force from the center of the ring in a second direction perpendicular to the tightening direction.