Claims:We Claim:
1. A mechanism (100) for clamping and securely housing a sensor (S) for detection of crack propagation and wear in a foundation bolt (1), the mechanism (100) comprising:
a threaded fastener (2), threadably connectable to an end (1a) of the foundation bolt (1);
a plurality of spring-loaded fasteners (3) extending from a flange end of the threaded fastener (2);
a clamping frame (4), defined with a central void (4a) and a plurality of through apertures (4b), wherein each of the plurality of apertures is configured to receive at least one of the plurality of the spring loaded fasteners (3) to adjustably connect the clamping frame (4) with the threaded fastener (2), and wherein the sensor (S) is slidably disposed in the central void (4a) and structured to contact the foundation bolt (1); and
a tightener unit (6) provisioned on the clamping frame (4), wherein the tightening unit (6) secures and clamps the sensor (S) over the foundation bolt (1).

2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of spring loaded fasteners (3) includes:
a threaded stud (3a);
a spring (3b) surrounding the threaded stud (3a); and
a nut (8) engaging the threaded stud (3a), wherein operation of the nut (8) relative to the threaded stud (3a) varies clamping force between the threaded fastener (2) and the clamping unit (4).

3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the springs (3b) of the spring loaded fasteners (3) impart stiffness to the clamping frame (4) and prevents bounce back of the sensor (S) during operation.

4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tightener unit (6) comprises at least one tightening screw (11) to adjust tightness of the clamping frame (4).

5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 4, wherein the clamping frame (4) comprises a scale (12) to indicate tightness of the at least one tightening screw (11).

6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a couplant ring (5) defined within the threaded fastener (2), wherein the couplant ring (5) receives couplant fluid to fill a gap around the sensor (S);

7. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the couplant ring (5) is configured in an inner wall (2b) of the threaded fastener (2).

8. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the couplant ring (5) comprises a nipple (9) for allowing supply of the couplant fluid over the sensor (S).

9. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (S) is a ultra sound detection sensor.

10. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the couplant ring (5) is defined with plurality of jets (10) at predetermined locations to allow passage of the couplant fluid on to the sensor (S).

11. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the couplant fluid is supplied between the sensor (S) and a surface of the foundation bolt (1) translates to efficient ultrasonic transmission during operation.

12. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a protection cover (7) slidable over the mechanism (100) wherein, the protection cover (7) is structured to protect the sensor (S) from high temperatures and water spillage.

13. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the couplant fluid is at least one of water based couplant fluid, high temperature ultrasonic couplant, low to intermediate temperature couplant.

14. A method of assembling a mechanism (100) for clamping and securely housing a sensor (S) for detection of crack propagation and wear in a foundation bolt (1), the method comprising:
threadably connecting a threaded fastener (2), onto an end (1a) of the foundation bolt (1), wherein the threaded fastener comprising a plurality of spring-loaded fasteners (3) extending from a flange end of the threaded fastener (2);
defining a clamping frame (4), with a central void (4a) and a plurality of through apertures (4b), wherein each of the plurality of through apertures (4b) is configured to receive at least one of the plurality of the spring loaded fasteners (3) to adjustably connect the clamping frame (4) with the threaded fastener (2), and wherein the sensor (S) is slidably disposed in the central void (4a) and structured to contact the foundation bolt (1);
tightening by a tightener unit (6) defined on the clamping frame (4), wherein the tightening unit (6) secures and clamps the sensor (S) over the foundation bolt (1).

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein supporting the clamping frame (4) over the plurality of spring loaded fasteners (3) wherein, the plurality of spring loaded fasteners (3) includes threaded studs (3a) surrounded by springs (3b).

16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein imparting stiffness to the clamping frame (4) by the springs (3b) of the spring loaded fasteners (3) and prevents bounce back of the sensor (S) during operation.

17. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein tightening the clamping frame (4) by the tightener unit (6) wherein the tightener unit (6) comprises at least one tightening screw (11) to control tightness.

18. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein engaging a nut (8) on the threaded stud (3a), wherein operation of the nut (8) relative to the threaded stud (3a) varies clamping force between the threaded fastener (2) and the clamping unit (4).

19. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein sliding a protection cover (7) over the mechanism (100) to protect the sensor (S) from high temperatures and water spillage.

20. A system (200) for detection of crack propagation and wear in a foundation bolt (1), the system comprising:
a sensor (S) clamped and securely mounted on the foundation bolt through a mechanism as claimed in claim 1,
a transceiver (Z) connectable to the sensor (S), wherein, the transceiver (Z) is configured to:
transmit a high frequency ultrasound signal into the foundation bolt (1); and
receive a reflected high frequency ultrasound signal captured by the sensor (S) and transmits to the transceiver (Z); and
an indication unit (14) associated with the transceiver (Z), configured to indicate a waveform of the reflected ultrasonic signal, wherein a variation in amplitude of the ultrasonic waveform of the reflected signal is indicative of crack propagation and wear in the foundation bolt (1).

21. The system as claimed in claim 20, wherein surface areas of the foundation bolt and the sensor are smeared with couplant fluid.

22. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the couplant fluid forms a medium to translate efficient ultrasonic wave transmission during operation.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates in general to a field of manufacturing industries and industrial equipments. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a mechanism for clamping and securing a sensor for detection of cracks and wear in industrial foundation bolts. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method for assembling the mechanism and a system for detection of cracks and wear.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Manufacturing industries especially, process-based industries like steel manufacturing, petrol-chemical industries, sugar manufacturing industries etc., employ various structural and non-structural components. These structural and non-structural components need to be erected on foundation slabs or concrete floors to sustain the high temperatures and stresses imparted by such components. Conventionally to fix such structural and non-structural components to the foundation, sized tailor-made foundation bolts or fasteners are widely used. These foundation bolts are manufactured based on custom requirements of each of the components and utilize stainless steel or caron steel as they need to withstand heavy stress.

Some of these foundation bolts or fasteners are employed in environments that are harsh. For example, a foundation bolt or fasteners such as anchor studs, T-head bolts etc which are employed in pre-engineered buildings and fastening of heavy machines undergo enormous stresses during operation. These stresses cause high grades of wear and tear leading to internal crack propagation which may not be visible to general inspection or manual inspection. Another example is with respect to the foundation bolts used in securing blast furnaces at steel manufacturing industries where these foundation bolts are exposed to high temperatures. Such high temperatures accelerate the wear and tear on these foundation bolts and failure of such foundation bolts occurs at a faster rate and without any warning. Failure leads to an array of problems, the main one being downtime of the entire manufacturing unit. Moreover, failure in such foundation bolts lead to shearing of the bolts that may need additional techniques to extract the failed bolts and manual labour to replace them leading to long duration of downtimes and losses.

In some scenarios, like in a metalworking process-based industry where metal is being heated to the recrystallization temperatures and rolling operations are being carried out more than 900°C, cooling mediums are used or equipped. These cooling mediums usually transport coolant or water to maintain the structures in optimal working conditions. However, during operation some of water or coolant may spill over which may leak onto or splash over the foundation bolts. In such scenarios, high temperatures and accelerated corrosion adds to the wear and tear of such foundation bolts.

Conventionally, there are many techniques which are practiced to determine crack propagation and wear in such foundation bolts. Early detection of crack propagation and wear can aid maintenance crew to quickly replace the worn-out bolts without having to incur long downtimes. One such technique is the use of non-destructive testing using ultrasonic waves excited and transmitted from a magneto strictive coil. The ultrasonic waves pass through bulk of the foundation bolt in order to determine any irregularities. Apart from these techniques some of the prior arts highlighted below also relate to determination of crack propagation and wear detection.

EP3176575A1 provides a method and device for non-destructive testing of an anchor bolt. Said method and device make it possible to quantitatively test the soundness of an anchor bolt affixed to a foundation via an adhesive anchor. The section of the anchor bolt that is exposed from the surface of the foundation is hit to produce an impact noise and a signal waveform corresponding to said impact noise is received and subjected to frequency analysis to obtain frequency information for the said signal waveform. In this invention, it is tough to analyse signals discarding the unexpected noise.

US009038472B2 describes a method using guided ultrasonic waves by exciting ultrasounds using a magneto strictive coil. Further, several non-patent literatures, such as “Shoji, M. J Nondestruct Eval (2019) 38: 96” discloses Ultrasonic guided wave inspection for testing small-diameter (around 15 mm) cylindrical steel anchor bolts embedded in soil has been experimentally studied using piezoelectric probes attached to the sides of the rods. 60-kHz longitudinal [L (0,1)] mode is chosen as the guided wave for pulse-echo measurements. The study limits to small diameter rod-like structures. Also, the decided frequency serves better for corrosion wastages and fails for fatigue cracks. Also, there needs to be an access to couple piezoelectric crystal on the circumference of the anchor rods which cannot be possible in all the cases.

Further literature studies such as, “M. D. Beard, Guided Wave Inspection of Embedded Cylindrical Structures, Ph.D. dissertation, Dept. of Mech. Engg., Imperial College of Sci. Tech. and Med., London (2002)” and “B. J. Buys, Rock Bolt Condition Monitoring using Ultrasonic Guided Waves, MEng. dissertation, Dept. of Mech, and Aero. Engg., Univ. Pretoria, South Africa (2008)” describes an ultrasonic guided wave-based technique for the detection of corrosion defects in rock bolts which are used as reinforcing members in underground mines. The typical type of defects experienced in rock bolts are thinning and reduction in length of the end tips of the rock which in effect reduces the length of the rock bolt. The technique does not talk about the inspection of fatigue cracks and far end cracks.
Most of the above disclosed prior disclosures and references relates to monitoring of anchor bolts using ultrasonic waves. However, such disclosures does not disclose how to overcome problems associated with operational constraints such as water sprinkling and structural connection between the bolt and the sensor, etc.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a method and a product as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the method as described in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a mechanism for clamping and securely housing a sensor for detection of crack propagation and wear in a foundation bolt is disclosed. The mechanism includes a threaded fastener, threadably connectable to an end of the foundation bolt, and a plurality of spring-loaded fasteners extending from a flange end of the threaded fastener. The mechanism further includes a clamping frame, defined with a central void and a plurality of through apertures, wherein each of the plurality of apertures is configured to receive at least one of the plurality of the spring loaded fasteners to adjustably connect the clamping frame with the threaded fastener, such that the sensor is slidably disposed in the central void and structured to contact the foundation bolt. The mechanism also includes a tightener unit which is provisioned on the clamping frame, wherein the tightening unit secures and clamps the sensor over the foundation bolt.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of spring loaded fasteners includes a threaded stud, a spring surrounding the threaded stud and a nut engaging the threaded stud, wherein operation of the nut relative to the threaded stud varies clamping force between the threaded fastener and the clamping unit.
In an embodiment, the springs of the spring loaded fasteners impart stiffness to the clamping frame and prevents bounce back of the sensor during operation.
In an embodiment, the tightener unit comprises at least one tightening screw to adjust tightness of the clamping frame.
In an embodiment, the clamping frame comprises a scale to indicate tightness of the at least one tightening screw.
In an embodiment, the mechanism includes a couplant ring is defined within the threaded fastener, wherein the couplant ring receives couplant fluid to fill a gap around the sensor.
In an embodiment, a couplant ring configured on an inner wall of the threaded fastener.
In an embodiment, the couplant ring comprises a nipple for allowing supply of the couplant fluid over the sensor.
In an embodiment, the sensor is a ultra sound detection sensor.
In an embodiment, the couplant ring is defined with plurality of jets at predetermined locations to allow passage of the couplant fluid on to the sensor.
In an embodiment, the couplant fluid is supplied between the sensor and a surface of the foundation bolt translates to efficient ultrasonic transmission during operation.
In an embodiment, a protection cover is slidable over the mechanism wherein, the protection cover is structured to protect the sensor from high temperatures and water spillage.
In an embodiment, the couplant fluid is at least one of water based couplant fluid, high temperature ultrasonic couplant, low to intermediate temperature couplant.
In another non limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method of assembling a mechanism for clamping and securely housing a sensor for detection of crack propagation and wear in a foundation bolt is disclosed. The method discloses threadably connecting a threaded fastener, onto an end of the foundation bolt, wherein the threaded fastener comprising a plurality of spring-loaded fasteners extending from a flange end of the threaded fastener. Defining a clamping frame, with a central void and a plurality of through apertures, wherein each of the plurality of apertures is configured to receive at least one of the plurality of the spring loaded fasteners to adjustably connect the clamping frame with the threaded fastener, and wherein the sensor is slidably disposed in the central void and structured to contact the foundation bolt. Tightening by a tightener unit defined on the clamping frame, wherein the tightening unit secures and clamps the sensor over the foundation bolt.
In an embodiment, engaging a nut on the threaded stud, wherein operation of the nut relative to the threaded stud varies clamping force between the threaded fastener and the clamping unit.
In an embodiment, sliding a protection cover over the mechanism to protect the sensor from high temperatures and water spillage.
In yet another non limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a system for detection of crack propagation and wear in a foundation bolt is disclosed. The system comprising a sensor clamped and securely mounted on the foundation bolt through a mechanism as claimed in claim 1. A transceiver connectable to the sensor, wherein, the transceiver is configured to: transmit a high frequency ultrasound signal into the foundation bolt. Receive a reflected high frequency ultrasound signal captured by the sensor and transmits to the transceiver. An indication unit associated with the transceiver, configured to indicate a waveform of the reflected ultrasonic signal, wherein a variation in amplitude of the ultrasonic waveform of the reflected signal is indicative of crack propagation and wear in the foundation bolt.
In an embodiment, the couplant fluid forms a medium to translate efficient ultrasonic wave transmission during operation.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a mechanism mounted on a foundation bolt for clamping and securely housing a sensor, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 1b illustrates a perspective view of the mechanism with a protection cover, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 illustrates magnified view of the mechanism of figure 1b.

Figure. 3 illustrates top and perspective view of a clamping frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 4 illustrates a side view and a sectional view of the clamping bracket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates perspective view of a couplant ring, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates a schematic of a system for detection of crack propagation and wear in the foundation bolt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the mould assembly illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, as to method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such method. In other words, one or more acts in a method proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other acts or additional acts in the method.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mechanism for clamping and securely housing a sensor for detection of crack propagation and wear in a foundation bolt. The disclosure also discloses a method of assembling the mechanism over the foundation bolt and a system for detection of crack propagation and wear in the foundation bolt.

Conventionally, foundation bolts or fasteners such as anchor studs, T-head bolts etc which are employed in pre-engineered buildings and fastening of heavy machines. These foundation bolts or fasteners undergo enormous stresses during operation. These stresses cause high grades of wear and tear leading to internal crack propagation which may not be visible to general inspection or manual inspection. Similarly, the foundation bolts used in securing blast furnaces at steel manufacturing industries are exposed to high temperatures. Such high temperatures accelerate the wear and tear on these foundation bolts and failure of such foundation bolts occurs at a faster rate and without any warning. Failure of such foundation bolts leads to an array of problems, a main reason being downtime of the entire manufacturing unit. Moreover, failure in such foundation bolts leads to shearing of the bolts that may need additional techniques to extract the failed bolts and manual labour to replace them leading to long duration of downtimes and losses.

Conventionally, there are many techniques which are practiced to determine crack propagation and wear in such foundation bolts. Early detection of crack propagation and wear can aid maintenance crew to quickly replace the worn-out bolts without having to incur long downtimes.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a mechanism for clamping and securely housing a sensor for detection of crack propagation and wear in a foundation bolt is disclosed. The mechanism comprising a threaded fastener, threadably connectable to an end of the foundation bolt, and a plurality of spring-loaded fasteners extends from a flange end of the threaded fastener. The mechanism also includes a clamping frame, defined with a central void and a plurality of through apertures, wherein each of the plurality of apertures is configured to receive at least one of the plurality of the spring loaded fasteners to adjustably connect the clamping frame with the threaded fastener, such that the sensor is slidably disposed in the central void and structured to contact the foundation bolt. Further, the mechanism includes a tightener unit which is provisioned on the clamping frame, wherein the tightening unit secures and clamps the sensor over the foundation bolt.
In another non-limiting embodiment, a method of assembling the mechanism for clamping and securely housing the sensor is disclosed. Followed by a system for detection of crack propagation and wear in the foundation bolt.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 6.

Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a mechanism (100) for clamping and securely housing a sensor (S). The sensor (S) may be configured to detect crack propagation and wear in a foundation bolt (1). The sensor (S) in generally mounted or in contact with the foundation bolt (1) in order to propagate ultrasonic waves to determine or detect crack propagation and wear. The mechanism (100) to secure this sensor (S) includes a threaded fastener (2) which is threadably connectable to an end (1a) of the foundation bolt (1). The one end (1a) of the foundation bolt (1) is defined with threads such that the threaded fastener (2) threads onto the foundation bolt (1). The threaded fastener (2) includes a plurality of spring-loaded fasteners (3) extending from a flange end of the threaded fastener (2). In an embodiment, each of the plurality of the spring loaded fasteners (3) include threaded studs(3a), which protrudes upwardly for a predetermined distance away from the flange end (2a) of the threaded fastener (2). Each of the threaded studs (3a) is provided with a spring (3b). The spring (3b) is configured to surround the threaded stud (3a). In an embodiment, the diameter of the spring (3b) may be equivalent or 0.5 times larger than the diameter of the threaded studs (3a), such that the springs (3b) seat around the threaded studs (3a) snuggly.

Referring to figure 2 and figure 3, a clamping frame (4) defined with a central void (4a) and a plurality of through apertures (4b). The plurality of through apertures (4b) are defined on the clamping frame such that, each of the plurality of through apertures (4b) is configured to receive at least one of the plurality of spring loaded fasteners (3). In an embodiment, each of the threaded studs (3a) along with springs (3b) matches with the plurality of through apertures (4b). The clamping frame (4) is mounted on the spring loaded fastener (3) such that, the plurality of the spring loaded fasteners (3) adjustably connect the clamping frame (4) with the threaded fastener (2). The sensor (S) is then slidably disposed in the central void (4a) and structured to contact the foundation bolt (1). In an embodiment, once the clamping frame (4) is mounted on the spring loaded fasteners (3), a nut (8) is engaged threadably to the threaded stud (3a). Further, operation or applying torque to the nuts (8) relative to the threaded stud (3a) varies a clamping force between the threaded fastener (2) and the clamping frame (4). In an embodiment, torquing the nuts (8) clamps down the clamping frame (4) by applying downward force on the spring loaded fastener (3) such that, the sensor (S) may be securely positioned in contact with the foundation bolt (1). Further, torquing of the nut (8) may also adjust the height of the clamping frame in order to accommodate different sizes of the sensor (S). Also, the torquing of the nuts (8) adjusts stiffness of the springs (3b), such that bounce back due to vibrations from the foundation bolt (1) is mitigated.

Further, the clamping frame (4) is defined with a tightener unit (6) provisioned on an upper surface of the clamping frame (4). The tightening unit (6) secures and clamps the sensor (S) circumferentially over the foundation bolt (1) thereby preventing dislodging and misalignment of the sensor (S) positioned over the foundation bolt (1). In an embodiment, the tightening unit (6) includes at least one tightening screw (11) which may be torqued in order to increase the tightness on the clamping frame (4) circumferentially. The tightening unit (6) further includes a scale (12) in order to measure the tightness applied to the clamping frame (4) circumferentially. In an embodiment, the scale (12) aids in indicating amount of tightness applied by the tightening unit (6). The scale (12) may be easily looked into by maintenance crew in order to determine the tightness of the clamping frame (4) over the sensor (S).

Referring to figure 4 which illustrates a side view and a sectional view of the clamping frame (4). The clamping frame (4) may be designed to have a spherical geometric shape so as to snugly fit over the foundation bolts. In an embodiment, the clamping frame (4) is further defined with a cut-out (13) which may be positioned below the tightening unit (6). The cut-out (13) offers flexibility to the clamping frame (4) in order to compress and expand circumferential based on tightening or loosening torque applied to the at least one tightening screw (11).

Referring now to figure 5 which illustrates a schematic of a couplant ring (5). The couplant ring (5) is configured in an inner wall (2b) of the threaded fastener (2). The couplant ring (5) comprises a nipple (9) defined at an extended portion of the couplant ring (5) such that the nipple (9) protrudes outside of the threaded fastener (2). The couplant ring (5) is provided such that couplant fluid is supplied through the nipple (9) to fill void spaces between the sensor (S) and the foundation bolt (1). Moreover, once the predetermined amount of couplant fluid is supplied through the nipple (9) the sensor (S) and the clamping frame (4) securing the sensor (S) further tighten due to the fluid forces filling the void spaces.

In an embodiment, the couplant ring (5) is defined with a plurality of jets (10) around an entire circumference of the couplant ring (5). The plurality of jets (10) distribute the couplant fluid equally around the sensor (S) to fill the void spaces and gaps. In an embodiment, the couplant fluid aids in alignment of the sensor (S) over the foundation bolt (1) and allows for efficient and noise free ultrasonic wave transmission. In an embodiment, the couplant fluid may over time and usage reduce in volume or dry up. In such scenarios, additional couplant fluid is filled into the void spaces through the nipple (9) and the plurality of jets (10).

Figure 1b illustrates a protection cover (7) which may be mounted over the mechanism (100). The protection cover (7) may be manufactured of a solid material such as stainless steel or mild steel with a heavy gauge construction or a composite material. The protection cover (7) is structured to prevent spillage or splashing of coolant fluid or water, thereby preventing any possible damage or corrosion the foundation bolt (1). In case the mechanism (100) or the sensor (S) needs to be removed, the protection cover (7) may be slidably removed from the mechanism (100) by operating a handle (7a) and then the sensor (S) may be accessed.

Now referring to Figure 6, which illustrates a system (200) for detection of crack propagation and wear in the foundation bolt (1). The system (200) comprises a transceiver (Z) which may be connectable to the sensor (S). The transceiver (Z) is configured to transmit a high frequency ultrasound signal. The high frequency ultrasound signal travels through the foundation bolt (1) as a waveform. As the high frequency ultra sound signal travels through the foundation bolt (1) it bounces back in case there is a crack within the foundation bolt (1). The bounced back high frequency ultra sound signal may also be termed as a reflected high frequency ultrasound signal which is captured by the sensor (S) and then transmits the reflected signal to the transceiver (Z) for further analysis.

In an embodiment, an indication unit (14) may be connectable to the transceiver (Z). The indication unit (14) is configured to indicate a waveform of the reflected high frequency ultrasonic signal. Further, any variation in amplitude of the high frequency ultrasonic waveform of the reflected signal is indicative of the crack propagation and the wear in the foundation bolt (1).

In an embodiment, the indication unit (14) may be at least one of a display screen or a smart device such as a smart phone or a computer to analyze and determine crack propagation and wear of the foundation bolt (1).

In an embodiment, the couplant fluid forms a medium to translate the high frequency ultrasonic wave transmission during operation of the sensor (S).

In an embodiment, the mechanism (100) secures the sensor (S) over the foundation bolt (1) thereby preventing any premature failure of the sensor (S) due to vibrations and stresses directly transmitted to the sensor (S).

In an embodiment, the sensor (S) is firmly secured over a layer of couplant fluid and in correct alignment with the foundation bolt (1) to receive noise free high frequency ultrasonic wave.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals

Referral Numerals Description
100 Mechanism
200 System
1 Foundation bolt
2 Threaded fastener
2a Flange end
3 Spring loaded fastener
3a Threaded studs
3b Spring
4 Clamping frame
4a Central void
4b Thorough apertures
5 Couplant ring
6 Tightening unit
7 Protection cover
7a Handle
8 Nut
9 Nipple
10 Plurality of Jets
11 At least one tightening screw
12 Scale
13 Cut-out
14 Indication unit
Z Transceiver