Parker-Hannifin Corporation
RFID/NFC ENABLED FITTINGS, SMART TORQUE TOOL SYSTEM, AND TORQUE SENSING FITTING

Abstract:

A smart torque system includes a fitting comprising a fitting body defining a fluid flow passage from a first end to a second end, and an electronically readable element that is configured to store information about the fitting including at least a torque requirement of the fitting; an electronic reading device that reads the torque requirement from the electronically readable element; and a torque tool that is programmable by the reading device to set a torque to be applied by the torque tool in accordance with the torque requirement. The electronically readable element may include an RFID or NFC storage device, or a patterned code element, that is read by a complementary reading device. The electronic reading device may be incorporated into the torque tool. In another aspect, a fitting includes a fitting body defining a fluid flow passage from a first end to a second end, and an integrated torque sensor. The integrated torque sensor includes an electronic sensor element; a push pin that is engageable with the electronic sensor element to close a circuit connected to the electronic sensor element; and a biasing element that is configured to actuate the pushpin. When the fitting is torqued in accordance with a torque requirement of the fitting, the biasing element actuates the push pin to engage with the electronic sensor element to close the circuit, and a stored data item within the electronic sensor element changes to indicate the fitting is torqued in accordance with the torque requirement.