Intelligent fastening technology

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Intelligent Fastening Technology is an unprecedented assembly technology that combines lightweight power efficient actuators that utilize smart materials, integrated miniature micro-controllers to manage energy delivery, sensing and secondary switching functions and patented mechanical fastener designs. The combination of these elements, under an open electronic and software architecture allows for remotely activated assembly systems to be programmed, interfaced into conventional data networks and controlled by remote digital wireless instruction.

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[edit] Fastening Mechanisms

The fastening mechanism can be any form of mechanical connection comprising two or more connected parts. The fastening mechanism can be designed and engineered to meet a wide range of practical application needs by drawing on traditional fastening forms and methods of connection such as threaded fasteners, overhang clips and interference pins.

[edit] Smart Materials Actuation

To enable remote activation, Intelligent Fasteners use actuators which employ smart materials to drive the fastening mechanism.

Smart materials are able to respond to environmental stimuli by changing their physical properties; their shape, structure, composition or electromagnetic characteristics.

Intelligent Fastening devices use these shape-changing materials to provide lightweight, highly energy efficient actuation unlike conventional electro-magnetic alternatives.

We apply our extensive experience with smart materials to develop actuators capable of operating in situations that require long life cycles, wide operating temperature range and extreme environmental resistance.

[edit] Embedded Electronics

The "brains" of the Intelligent Fastener are the embedded electronics which comprise a control device with processing capabilities and memory capacity.

The embedded electronics manage the optimized delivery of energy to the actuator as well as providing the communication link between fasteners with surrounding data networks. The embedded electronics can also perform auxiliary functions such as switching and controlling slave devices or other components of the system.

[edit] Sensing Technology

Integrated sensors allow remote monitoring of fastener status, as well as measuring conditions such as temperature, stress and acceleration.

A networked web of fastener-based sensors allows realtime monitoring of a wide range of parameters, and makes state-of-the-art concepts such as predictive maintenance a reality.

[edit] Software Control

The logic that enables fastener functionality resides in a proprietary operating system.

Using standard programming tools, users can develop software applications to program an assembly sequence and add functionality to embedded Intelligent Fasteners. The system architecture allows the technology to be integrated into different types of networked environments such as automobiles, aircraft, buildings, appliances, and other electrical products using a wide variety of network protocols and hardware interfaces.

[edit] External links

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