INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE STUD TORQUE-OFF SOCKET ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A testing apparatus for torque off weld stud testing has a socket to receive a weld stud welded to a metal sheet for testing strength of the weld. A stopper is received in the socket indexing the weld stud. A nut locks the stopper in position to enable repeated socket indexing to like weld studs.

Claims

1. A testing apparatus for torque off weld stud testing comprising: a socket for receiving a weld stud welded to a metal sheet; a stopper received in the socket indexing the weld stud; and a nut for locking the stopper in position for enabling indexing to like weld studs.

2. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein a flange is secured at one end of the socket for positioning a torque wrench.

3. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the socket has a polygonal exterior surface to mate with a torque wrench.

4. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stopper is a threaded fastener.

5. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lock is a threaded nut.

6. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the socket has a through bore.

7. The test apparatus of claim 1, wherein the socket receives different types and lengths of weld studs for testing.

8. A method for testing a weld with the testing apparatus of claim 1 comprising the steps of: providing a weld stud welded to a metal sheet; positioning the socket onto the weld stud at a desired distance from the metal sheet; positioning the stopper into the socket and contacting weld stud; tightening the nut against the stopper at the contact position; positioning a torque wrench onto the socket; rotating the torque wrench until failure of the weld; and measuring failure torque value of the weld.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising positioning the torque wrench on the flange.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising removing the socket and tightening the nut onto the stopper and socket.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising testing additional weld studs welded to a metal sheet.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising loosening the nut and applying the socket to a different length welded weld stud and measuring the torque failure value.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising threading the socket onto the weld stud.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising setting a gap from the sheet metal for the torque wrench via the flange.

15. The method of claim 8, further comprising recording the failure torque value and failure mode of the weld.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an assembled side view of the testing apparatus.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the socket.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an elevated view of the method.

[0018] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Turning to the figures, a testing apparatus for torque-off weld stud testing is illustrated and designated with the reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 includes a socket 12, a stopper 14 and the nut 16. A weld stud 18 is received in the socket 12.

[0021] The socket 12 includes a body 20 and a flange 22 secured at one end of the body 20. A through bore 24 passes through the socket body 20. The through bore 24 is generally threaded. The exterior surface 26 of the body 20 has a polygonal configuration. It is shown as a hexagon in the drawings. However, others could be used. The hexagon design works well with a torque wrench.

[0022] The stopper 14 is generally a threaded bolt. The stopper 14 has a threaded shaft 28 and a hexagonal head 30. This enables the stopper 14 to be screwed into the threaded bore 24 to contact the weld stud 18 as will be explained later. The nut 16 has an overall hexagonal exterior surface 34. Thus, the hex nut 32 can be tightened with a conventional wrench.

[0023] The thickness of the flange 22 can be varied to meet a standard distance from a wrench shank centerline 40 to the metal sheet 38. It is generally designed for the size of the test torque wrench head.

[0024] Turning to FIG. 3, a method for testing weld failure with the apparatus 10 will be explained.

[0025] The apparatus 10, via the socket 20, is screwed onto a weld stud 18 via the threaded bore 24. The socket 20 is screwed onto the weld stud 18 so that a desired distance or gap 36 is present between the metal sheet 38 and the flange 22. The gap 36 is predetermined and calculated to position a torque wrench centerline 40 at a targeted distance from the surface of metal sheet 38. After the socket 12 is positioned on the weld stud 18, the stopper 14 is advanced in the threaded bore 24 until the end of the shaft 28 contacts an end of the shaft 42 of the weld stud 18. After that, the lock nut 16 is hand tightened nesting on the socket 12. The apparatus 10 is then removed from the weld stud 18. At that time, the nut 16 is mechanically tightened onto the socket 12 to position the stopper 14 in a locked position.

[0026] After tightening the apparatus 10 is positioned back onto the weld stud 18. A torque wrench 50 is then positioned onto the outer hexagonal surface of the socket 12. The torque wrench 50 defines the centerline 40 which is positioned at a desired gap distance 54 from the metal sheet 38. Due to the flange 22, the distance 54 is repeatable and prohibits moment bending of the weld stud 18 during application of torque by the wrench 50. The wrench 50 is continued to be rotated. The torque is measured when the failure of the weld 60 occurs. This measurement is recorded to provide the failure torque value. Also, the failure mode is recorded for analysis purposes.

[0027] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.