Intelligent fastening with A‐BOLTTM technology and sensor networks
Abstract
Threaded fasteners appear to be the best low cost option for applying a desired clamp load to assemble a joint, which can be disassembled, if necessary, at a low cost. A large number of joint failures are due to inadequate tension on the joint. Most conventional tightening methods only provide a vague indication of the bolt tension. In this paper we will discuss the development of the A‐BOLT™ system, which can measure the tension in the mechanical bolt to ±1 per cent accuracy of the proof load. The key element of the system is a specially designed mechanical bolt with a top‐mounted sensor to measure the bolt elongation. We will also describe the development of different generations of the A‐BOLT™ system and its industrial applications. Finally we will present an overview of research on the cluster based networking of wireless sensors to minimize energy consumption in a network of sensors.
Keywords
Citation
Mayura Guru, S., Fernando, S., Halgamuge, S. and Chan, K. (2004), "Intelligent fastening with A‐BOLTTM technology and sensor networks", Assembly Automation, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 386-393. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445150410562598
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited