The invention relates to systems for monitoring rotation of a nut or bolt. More specifically, the invention relates to (but need not be limited to) systems configured to detect loosening of a nut or bolt.
The humble nut and bolt has been used for decades in order to fasten components together in a wide range of technical fields. Nuts or bolts (hereafter referred to simply as a nut) can however, progressively loosen over time, especially when exposed to environmental effects such as heat expansion and contraction, and vibration, or alternatively as a result of improper torqueing on installation.
The consequences of nuts loosening may be catastrophic. Typically, a visual inspection to check for loosening may be conducted. This can however be time consuming, especially where large numbers of nuts are utilised and/or nuts to be monitored are spread over a large area, for example in railways or the aviation industry. Monitoring nuts may also be expensive and/or logistically challenging, for example, when checking the nuts of offshore wind turbines. Additionally, relying on visual inspections leaves room for human error.
According to the invention in a first aspect, there is provided a system for monitoring rotation of a nut or bolt, the system comprising an indicator for mounting to the nut or bolt and configured to rotate therewith, a detector configured to detect a rotational position of the indicator, and a transmitter configured to transmit data indicative of the detected rotational position of the indicator.
Optionally, the transmitter is configured to transmit an alarm signal indicating a loose nut condition if the detected rotational position of the indicator exceeds a threshold.
Optionally, the detector is configured to detect a change in rotational position of the indicator, and wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit an alarm signal indicating a loose nut condition if the detected change in rotational position of the indicator exceeds a threshold.
Optionally, the system further comprises an actuator, wherein the detector is configured to detect a change in relative rotational position between the actuator and the detector.
Optionally, the detector comprises a sensor configured to detect a property of the actuator indicative of a relative direction and/or range of the actuator from the detector.
Optionally, the property comprises a strength and/or a pattern of a magnetic field.
Optionally, the actuator generates the magnetic field and optionally comprises a magnet.
Optionally, the indicator comprises one of the actuator and the detector.
Optionally, the other of the actuator and the detector is for mounting in a location adjacent to the nut or bolt and is configured not to rotate therewith.
Optionally, the other of the actuator and the detector is fixed relative to the nut or bolt.
Optionally, the indicator comprises the actuator.
Optionally, the detector comprises the transmitter.
Optionally, the indicator and the detector comprise alignment features configured to indicate positions of the actuator and the sensor.
Optionally, the alarm signal comprises identification data configured to identify the indicator and/or the detector.
Optionally, the alarm signal comprises location data indicative of a geographic location of the indicator and/or the detector.
Optionally, the system further comprises an auto-calibrator configured to determine the threshold based on an initial property of the actuator sensed by the sensor at the time of fitting the system.
Optionally, the system further comprises a locator configured to cooperate with the detector and/or the indicator to facilitate positioning and mounting of the detector in a predetermined orientation and/or range with respect to the indicator.
Optionally, the locator is configured to couple to the detector and/or indicator to facilitate positioning and mounting of the detector and decouple from the detector and/or indicator after positioning and mounting of the detector.
Optionally, the locator comprises a coupling feature configured to couple the detector thereto.
Optionally, the locator comprises a locating feature configured to engage at least a portion of the indicator, such that when the detector is coupled to the locator and the locating feature is engaged with the at least a portion of the indicator, the detector is positioned in the predetermined orientation and/or range.
Optionally, the locator comprises a release mechanism configured to decouple the detector and/or indicator from the locator after positioning and mounting of the detector.
According to the invention in a further aspect, there is provided a method for monitoring rotation of a nut or bolt, the method comprising mounting an indicator to the nut or bolt such that the indicator rotates therewith; detecting, by a detector, a rotational position of the indicator; and transmitting, by a transmitter, data indicative of the rotational position of the indicator.
Optionally, the method further comprises transmitting, by the transmitter, an alarm signal indicating a loose nut condition if the detected rotational position of the indicator exceeds a threshold.
Optionally, the detector is configured to detect a change in rotational position of the indicator, and the method further comprises transmitting, by the transmitter, an alarm signal indicating a loose nut condition if the detected change in rotational position of the indicator exceeds a threshold.
Optionally, detecting the rotational position of the indicator comprises sensing, by a sensor, a property of an actuator indicative of relative direction and/or range of the actuator from the detector.
Optionally, the property of the actuator comprises a strength and/or a pattern of a magnetic field of the actuator.
Optionally, the indicator comprises one of the actuator and the detector, and the method further comprises mounting the other of the indicator and the detector in a location adjacent to the nut or bolt such that it does not rotate therewith.
Optionally, the method further comprises determining the threshold based on an initial property of the actuator sensed by the sensor.
Generally disclosed herein are exemplary systems for detecting rotation and/or loosening of a nut. The exemplary systems may detect rotation of the nut and be configured to transmit a signal, and/or data, indicative of a rotational position of the nut. Alternatively, or in addition, exemplary systems may be configured to transmit an alarm signal if the rotational position of the nut is indicative of a loose nut condition. For example, exemplary systems may be configured to transmit an alarm signal if a change in rotational position of the nut exceeds a threshold. The inventors have realised that providing systems that transmit an alarm signal when a loose nut condition is detected eliminates the need for time consuming, expensive and difficult visual inspections, which may also be prone to human error. Instead, it is only necessary to respond to the alarm signals. In exemplary systems, the signals transmitted may comprise identification data and/or location data to allow the location of the loose nut to be determined. This allows the loose nut to be directly located to be tightened/replaced.
The indicator 102 is configured to be mounted to a nut 106. The indicator 102 may be configured to be mounted to the nut 106 such that the indicator 102 rotates therewith.
In the exemplary arrangement shown in
The exemplary indicator 102 further comprises an indicator element 112. The indicator element 112 may be configured to rotate with the indicator 102. In exemplary arrangements, the indicator element 112 is fixed relative to the indicator 102.
In the exemplary arrangement of
The detector 104 may be configured to detect a property of the indicator element 112. The property of the indicator element 112 may be indicative of a direction of the indicator element 112 relative to the detector 104. Alternatively, or additionally, the property of the indicator element 112 may be indicative of a distance and/or range of the indicator element 112 from the detector 104. As will be described in more detail below, the detected property of the indicator element 112 may be used to determine whether the nut 106 has loosened (i.e. to determine whether there is a loose nut condition).
In Exemplary systems 100, the indicator element 112 may be configured to generate a magnetic field and may comprise a magnet. In exemplary arrangements, the indicator element 112 may comprise a permanent magnet. In such exemplary arrangements, the detector 104 may be configured to detect a strength and/or pattern of a magnetic field of the indicator element 112, as will be described in more detail below. In exemplary arrangements, the indicator element 112 may comprise a flat disc shape.
The skilled person will appreciate that in alternative arrangements, alternative indicator elements 112 may be used. For example, in alternative arrangements, the indicator element 112 may be configured to emit an electromagnetic field or, specifically, a radiofrequency (RF) field, and may comprise an electromagnetic field emitter or an RF emitter. In such arrangements, the detector may be configured to detect a strength of the electromagnetic or RF field of the indicator element. In further alternative arrangements, the indicator element may be configured to generate and/or reflect electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light. In such arrangements, the indicator element may comprise a surface configured to reflect the visible light or an electromagnetic radiation emitter, for example, one of an LED, a photodiode, a photodetector, and a light sensor. The detector may be configured to detect a strength of the electromagnetic radiation generated and/or reflected by the indicator element. The skilled person will be able to envisage further arrangements in which the indicator element emits and/or generates a wave, field strength or field pattern, or else comprises a property, which may be detected by the detector.
The exemplary indicator 102 of
In exemplary arrangements, the indicator 102 may be adjustable to accommodate a range of different sizes of nuts and bolts. In exemplary arrangements, the indicator 102 may be adjustable to vary the size of the aperture 108 configured to receive the nut 106. For example, the indicator 102 may comprise a clamp comprising opposed ends joined by a threaded bolt. The threaded bolt may be configured to alter the distance between the opposed ends and therefore alter the diameter of the aperture. Such an arrangement may be similar to an adjustable pipe clamp. The skilled person will be able to envisage further arrangements to achieve an adjustable indicator. Advantageously, this allows the indicator 102 to be used in different applications, which may use different nut/bolt sizes, without the need to custom make the indicator for each application.
The detector 104 may comprise a sensor 216 (not visible in
As described in more detail below, the detector 104 may comprise further detector electronics. The detector electronics may be housed in a water-tight housing 120.
The detector 104 may further comprise an alignment feature 118. The alignment feature 118 may be configured to indicate a location of the sensor 216. The alignment feature 118 of the exemplary detector 104 of
In exemplary arrangements, the detector 104 is configured for mounting in a location adjacent to the nut 106. For example, the detector 104 may be configured for mounting to a surface adjacent to the nut 106. In exemplary arrangements, the detector 104 may be configured for mounting adjacent to the nut 106 such that the detector does not rotate therewith.
In the exemplary arrangement shown in
In exemplary arrangements, the detector 104 and/or indicator 102 may further comprise a visual indicator (not shown in
The detector 200 may further comprise a memory 206 and a processor 208. The memory 206 may comprise a non-volatile memory and/or a volatile memory. The memory 206 may have a computer program 210 stored therein. The computer program 210 may be configured to undertake the methods disclosed herein. The computer program 210 may be loaded in the memory 206 from a non-transitory computer readable medium 212, on which the computer program is stored. The processor 208 may be configured to undertake one or more of the functions of an alarm generator 214 and auto-calibrator 218, as set out below. The detector 200 also comprises a sensor 216 and the processor may be configured to control this feature.
Each of the transmitter 202, receiver 204, memory 206, processor 208, alarm generator 214, sensor 216 and auto-calibrator 218 may be in data communication with the other features 202, 204206, 208, 210, 214, 216, 218 of the detector 200. The detector 200 can be implemented as a combination of computer hardware and software. In particular, the alarm generator 214 may be implemented as software configured to run on the processor 208. The memory 206 may store the various programs/executable files that are implemented by a processor 208, and also provides a storage unit for any required data. The programs/executable files stored in the memory 206, and implemented by the processor 208, can include the alarm generator 214 and auto-calibrator 218, but are not limited to such. The transmitter may use transmission frequency of, for example, one of 315 MHz, 433 MHz and 868 MHz.
Although not shown in
The skilled person will appreciate that indicator 102 may comprise one or more features of the detector 104. For example, in exemplary arrangements, the indicator 102 may comprise the detector 104 and the indicator element 112 may be configured for mounting on a surface adjacent to the nut 106.
In exemplary methods, the indicator 102 is mounted 300 to the nut 106. In exemplary arrangements, the nut 106 may be tightened to a desired torque before mounting the indicator 102 thereto. In the arrangement shown in
The indicator 102 may be mounted to the nut 106 such that relative rotation therebetween is prevented. As described above, relative rotation between the indicator 102 and the nut 106 may be prevented due to an interference fit between the aperture 108 of the indicator and the nut 106. In alternative arrangements, alternative means of preventing relative rotation between the indicator 102 and the nut 106 may be used. For example, an adhesive may be used to secure the indicator 102 to the nut 106.
The detector 104 may be mounted 302 in a location adjacent to the nut 106. In the arrangement shown in
In the exemplary arrangement of
The detector 104 may be mounted such that the sensor 216 is located adjacent to the indicator element 112. This may comprise mounting the detector 104 such that the alignment feature 118 of the detector 104 aligns with the alignment feature 116 of the indicator 102. In alternative arrangements, the detector 104 and the indicator 102 may be mounted in substantially any orientation, that is, in alternative arrangements, the alignment features 116, 118 may not align on mounting the detector 104 and the indicator 102.
The skilled person will appreciate that in alternative methods the detector 104 may be mounted at the location adjacent to the nut 106 before the indicator 102 is mounted to the nut 106. In such arrangements, the indicator 102 may be mounted to the nut 106 such that the alignment feature 116 of the indicator 102 aligns with the alignment feature 118 of the detector 104.
In exemplary arrangements, the detector 104 is configured to detect a rotational position of the indicator 102. The detector 104 may be configured to detect a rotational position of the indicator 102 by sensing 304 a property of the indicator element 112. Since the indicator 102 rotates with the nut 106, by detecting a rotational position of the indicator 102, rotation (and therefore loosening) of the nut 106 may be detected.
In the exemplary arrangement of
The sensor 216 may be configured to sense a property of the indicator element 112 at intervals. For example, the sensor 216 may be configured to sense the property of the indicator element 112 at intervals of 1 minute, 10 minutes, 1 hour, 24 hours and 48 hours. The skilled person will appreciate that the interval length may be varied based on application.
In alternative arrangements, in which the indicator element 112 may generate a signal for detection by the detector 104, the indicator element 112 may be configured to generate a signal at intervals. For example, the indicator element may comprise an RF emitter configured to emit a RF signal at intervals. The indicator element may be configured to generate a signal for detection by the detector at intervals of 1 minute, 10 minutes, 1 hour, 24 hours and 48 hours as above.
In exemplary arrangements, the sensor 216 may be configured to sense the property of the indicator element 112 at an increased sensing rate (that is, the interval length may be reduced) if adverse conditions for the nut are detected. For example, as mentioned above, exemplary arrangements may comprise a temperature sensor and/or a vibration sensor. In such arrangements, the sensing rate, and therefore the length of the interval, may be changed based on the temperature and/or vibration level detected by the temperature sensor and the vibration sensor. For example, the sensor 216 may be configured to sense the property of the indicator element 112 at an increased sensing rate (that is, the interval length may be reduced) if the vibration sensor detects adverse conditions for the nut (e.g. a vibration level or cycle that suggests loosening of the nut is likely). Similarly, the sensor 216 may be configured to sense the property of the indicator element 112 at an increased sensing rate (that is, the interval length may be reduced) if the temperature sensor detects adverse temperature conditions for the nut (e.g. a temperature that suggests loosening of the nut is likely).
In arrangements in which the indicator element 112 generates a signal for detection, the indicator element 112 may be configured to generate the signals for detection at an increased rate if adverse conditions for the nut are detected, as described above.
In exemplary arrangements, the transmitter 202 may be configured to transmit 308 data indicative of the sensed rotational position of the indicator 102. The data indicative of the sensed rotational position of the indicator 102 may comprise an absolute value of the property sensed by the sensor 216. As discussed above, the value of the property of the indicator element 112 sensed by the sensor 216 may be indicative of the distance between the indicator 102 and the detector 104.
The transmitter 202 may be further configured to transmit identification data configured to identify the indicator 102 and/or detector 104. Alternatively, or additionally, the transmitter 202 may be configured to transmit location data indicative of a geographic location of the indicator 102 and/or detector 104. This data may allow identification of the nut 106 to which the rotational position data relates.
In exemplary arrangements the transmitter 202 may be configured to transmit an alarm signal indicative of a loose nut condition. In such arrangements, the alarm signal may or may not comprise an absolute value sensed by the sensor 216.
In exemplary arrangements, the alarm generator 214 of the detector 104 may be configured to compare 306 a property of the indicator element 112 sensed by the sensor 216 with a threshold and determine whether an alarm signal should be generated based on the comparison. The threshold may be indicative of a loose nut condition. For example, the threshold may comprise a value of the property of the indicator element 112 that if sensed indicates that the rotational position of the indicator 102 suggests that the nut has loosened. If the sensed property is not outside of the threshold, then no alarm signal is generated and the property of the indicator element 112 is sensed again by the sensor 216 after the next interval period. If the alarm generator 214 determines that the sensed property is outside of the threshold then the alarm generator 214 generates an alarm signal indicating a loose nut condition and the transmitter 202 transmits the alarm signal.
In alternative arrangements, the alarm generator 214 may be configured to compare a property of the indicator element 112 sensed by the sensor 216 with a property of the indicator element previously sensed by the sensor 216. The alarm generator may be configured to generate an alarm signal for transmission if the property of the indicator element sensed by the detector differs from the previously sensed property by a threshold amount.
There are a number of ways to implement such alarms that will be known to the skilled person.
The alarm signal may comprise identification data and/or location data configured to identify the indicator 102 and/or the detector 104. As such, the nut 106 associated with the indicator 102 and/or the detector 104 may be identified by the alarm signal. This allows the nut 106 to be easily located and tightened/replaced.
In exemplary arrangements, the transmitter 202 may be configured to transmit the alarm signal to an apparatus 120. The apparatus 120 may be a user equipment, such as a mobile phone or other device. In exemplary arrangements, the user equipment may be configured to upload data indicating that an alarm signal has been received to a server. This may be a cloud-based server configured to transmit the indication that an alarm signal has been received to a further apparatus. For example, the further apparatus may be a further user equipment located in a control/maintenance centre.
The apparatus 120 may receive the alarm signal and indicate to a user that a loose nut condition has been detected. Alternatively, the apparatus 120 may be configured to transmit an indication that an alarm signal has been received to a further apparatus.
The alarm signal and the identification data and/or location data allow the nut 106 to be identified. As such, maintenance can travel directly to the location of the nut 106 and tighten/replace the nut 106 without the need to perform a visual check on every nut used in an assembly (e.g. ever nut in a section of railway track, or every nut on a wind turbine).
In exemplary arrangements, the apparatus 120 that received the alarm signal and/or data from the system 100 may be one of a plurality of ground receivers. The plurality of ground receivers may form a network. At least one of the ground receivers may be located near to the system 100. The data transmitted by the system 100 (and in exemplary arrangements, the transmitter 202 of the detector 104) may be transmitted between the network of ground receivers to boost the signal over large distances. In exemplary arrangements, the location of the system 100 may be determined based on the number of signals transmitted by the system 100 and received by a ground receiver directly. That is, the number of signals received by the ground receiver from the system 100, and not from a further ground receiver. This allows the ground receiver nearest to the relevant nut to be determined, and therefore the location of the relevant nut to be determined. In exemplary arrangements, at least one of the ground receivers may be battery and/or solar powered or mains powered.
As will be appreciated by the skilled person, in arrangements comprising the alignment features 116 and 118, as the nut 106 loosens and rotates, the alignment features 116 and 118 will be brought out of alignment. This allows a visual check to additionally be performed. This may aid the identification of the nut to be tightened/replaced in response to the alarm signal.
Once the nut has been tightened/replaced, the indicator 102 may be mounted to the tightened/new nut.
In exemplary arrangements, the detector 104 may comprise an auto-calibrator 218. The auto-calibrator 218 may be configured to calibrate the sensor 216. Calibrating the sensor 216 may comprise determining at least one threshold indicative of a loose nut condition. The at least one threshold may be determined based on an initially sensed property of the indicator element 112. For example, a property of the indicator element 112 sensed on fitting of the system 100.
The auto-calibrator 218 may be configured to calibrate the sensor 216 on installation of the system 100. In exemplary arrangements auto-calibration may occur when the detector 104 and the indicator 102 are brought within range of one another. For example, auto-calibration may occur when the indicator 102 and the detector 104 are mounted to the nut and a location adjacent to the nut. This may “wake up” the detector 104 which may initiate auto-calibration.
In exemplary arrangements, the threshold may be determined as a percentage of the initially sensed property of the indicator element 112, which may be the value of the property sensed on fitting the system 100. The threshold may be determined to be 25%, 50%, 100% or more of the initial sensed property. For example, in the exemplary arrangement of
In alternative arrangements, the detector may not undergo a calibration process, and instead a manufacturer set threshold may be stored in the memory 206 of the detector 104.
The inventors have appreciated that installation of systems for monitoring rotation of a nut, such as the system described above, may be further simplified by facilitating accurate location of the indicator with respect to the detector on installation. In particular, installation may be further simplified by facilitating accurate location of the indicator element of the indicator with respect to the sensor of the detector. Exemplary systems may comprise a locator configured to interact with the detector and indicator to facilitate installation of the detector in a predetermined position with respect to the indicator. In exemplary systems the locator may also act as an applicator, allowing the user to pick up the detector and secure the detector to a surface in the predetermined position with respect to the indicator.
The exemplary system 400 further comprises a locator 422. The locator 422 may be configured to cooperate with the detector 404 and/or indicator 402 to facilitate positioning and mounting of the detector 404 with respect to the indicator 402. The locator 422 may be configured to cooperate with the indicator 402 and/or the detector 404 to locate the detector 404 in a predetermined orientation and/or range of the indicator 402. In exemplary arrangements, the locator 422 may be configured to cooperate with the indicator 402 and/or the detector 404 to locate the sensor 416 of the detector 404 in a predetermined orientation and/or range of the indicator element 412 of the indicator 402. As will be described in more detail below, the locator 422 may be configured to engage with the detector to allow installation of the detector on a surface to which the detector is to be mounted in the predetermined orientation and/or range of the indicator 402.
In the exemplary arrangement of
The locating feature 424 of the locator 422 may be configured to cooperate with the indicator 402 to locate the detector 404 in a predetermined orientation and/or range of the indicator 402. In exemplary arrangements, the locating feature 424 of the locator 422 may be configured to cooperate with the indicator 402 to locate the coupling feature 428 (and therefore the detector 404, when the detector 404 is engaged with the coupling feature 428) in a predetermined orientation and/or range of the indicator 402
The locating feature 424 of the locator 422 may comprise a mechanical feature, such as a recess or a protrusion. In the exemplary arrangement shown in
In the exemplary arrangement of
The corresponding locating feature 426 of the indicator 402 may be received within the locating feature 424 of the locator 422. In the exemplary arrangement of
The locator 422 may be configured to couple to the detector 404. In exemplary arrangements, the locator 422 may couple to the detector 404 such that movement of the locator 422 causes corresponding movement of the detector 404 (and vice versa).
The locator 422 may comprise a coupling feature 428 configured to couple the detector 404 to the locator 422. In exemplary arrangements the detector 404 may be positioned in the predetermined orientation and/or range of the indicator 402 when the locating features 424, 426 of the locator 422 and the indicator 402 respectively cooperate, and when the detector 404 is coupled to the locator 422.
In the exemplary arrangement shown in
The skilled person will appreciate that in alternative arrangements, alternative coupling features may be used. For example, the coupling feature of the locator 422 may comprise an adhesive configured to adhere to a surface of the detector 404. In further alternative arrangements, the coupling feature 428 may comprise a recess or protrusion configured to engage a corresponding recess or protrusion on the detector 404 to couple the detector thereto. In further alternative arrangements, the coupling feature may comprise a locating feature, similar to the locating feature 424 described above, but configured to cooperate with at least a portion of the detector 404. In further alternative arrangements, the coupling feature may comprise an abutment surface and the detector 404 may be configured to contact the abutment surface when the locator 422 is engaged with the indicator 402 to position the detector 404 correctly with respect to the indicator 402. The skilled person will be able to envisage other arrangements for coupling the detector 404 and the locator 422.
The locator 422 may be configured to releasably couple to the detector 404. The exemplary locator 422 shown in
The release mechanism 430 of the exemplary locator 422 shown in
The second portion 436 may be configured to interact with the detector 404 when the detector 404 is coupled to the locator 422, such that relative axial movement between the first portion 434 and the second portion 436 decouples the detector 404 from the locator 422. In the exemplary arrangement shown in
Installation of the detector 404 using the locator 422 is described below with reference to
The indicator 402 is mounted to the nut 406, similarly to as described above in respect of
The locator 422 may be coupled to the detector 404. In exemplary methods, the locator 422 may be coupled to the detector 404 by engaging the coupling feature 428 with at least a portion of the detector 404. In the exemplary arrangement shown in
Once the locator is coupled to the detector 404, movement of the locator 422 causes corresponding movement of the locator 422. The locator 422 and the detector 404 may therefore be moved towards the installation site adjacent to the nut 406.
The locating feature 424 of the locator 422 may be engaged with the corresponding locating feature 426 of the indicator 402. This may comprise sliding the keyed feature of the locator 422 over the protrusion of the indicator 402 until the detector 404 contacts the surface to which it is to be mounted. In this position, the detector 404 is positioned in the predetermined orientation and/or range of the indicator 402. Specifically, the sensor 416 of the detector 404 is positioned in the predetermined orientation and/or range of the indicator element 412.
In exemplary arrangements, the detector 404 may be secured to the surface to which it is to be mounted using an adhesive. For example, the detector 404 may comprise a double sided tape. The pressure applied to the detector 404 via the locator 422 when engaging the locator 422 and the indicator 402 may adhere the detector 404 to the surface.
The locator 422 may be decoupled from the detector 404 and disengaged from the indicator 402 once the detector 404 is positioned (and in some arrangements, once the detector 402 has been secured to the surface).
Decoupling the detector 404 and indicator 402 from the locator 422 may comprise applying a force to the locator 422 to overcome the friction fit between the locator 422 and the detector 404.
In the exemplary arrangement of
The first portion 434 may then be moved axially with respect to the detector 404 (and with respect to the second portion 436) until the first portion 434 disengages from the detector 404. In the exemplary arrangement of
The skilled person will appreciate that in alternative arrangements and methods, the locator may not comprise a second portion 436. In such arrangements, the first portion 432 may be decoupled from the detector 404 by the user applying a force directly to the detector 404 (for example, using a hand) and then sliding the first portion 436 off of the detector 404.
Decoupling the detector 404 and the locator 422 may simultaneously disengage the locator 422 and the indicator 402. In the exemplary method described above, the locating features 424, 426 may be disengaged as a result of the axial movement of the first portion 434 with respect to the detector 404.
The skilled person will appreciate that the above-described locator 422 enables accurate placement of the detector 404 with respect to the indicator 402, and specifically, the sensor 416 of the detector 404 with respect to the indicator element 412. The locator 422 provides a further advantage of allowing a detector to be moved and secured to a surface without the user having to directly touch the detector. In applications in which the detector comprises an adhesive to secure the detector to a surface, this is particularly advantageous since this ensures that there is no human contamination of the adhesive as a result of accidental contact with the adhesive. The detector may, for example, be provided on a reel of tape (for example where the adhesive is a double sided tape), and the locator allows the detector to be picked off of the tape and mounted to the surface without the user having to touch any component other than the locator.
A computer program may be configured to provide any of the above described methods. The computer program may be provided on a computer readable medium. The computer program may be a computer program product. The product may comprise a non-transitory computer usable storage medium. The computer program product may have computer-readable program code embodied in the medium configured to perform the method. The computer program product may be configured to cause at least one processor to perform some or all of the method.
Various methods and apparatus are described herein with reference to block diagrams or flowchart illustrations of computer-implemented methods, apparatus (systems and/or devices) and/or computer program products. It is understood that a block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions that are performed by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor circuit of a general purpose computer circuit, special purpose computer circuit, and/or other programmable data processing circuit to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, transform and control transistors, values stored in memory locations, and other hardware components within such circuitry to implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks, and thereby create means (functionality) and/or structure for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block(s).
Computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks.
A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium may include an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples of the computer-readable medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM) circuit, a read-only memory (ROM) circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) circuit, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and a portable digital video disc read-only memory (DVD/Blu-ray).
The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer and/or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks.
Accordingly, the invention may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) that runs on a processor, which may collectively be referred to as “circuitry,” “a module” or variants thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternate implementations, the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Moreover, the functionality of a given block of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be separated into multiple blocks and/or the functionality of two or more blocks of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be at least partially integrated. Finally, other blocks may be added/inserted between the blocks that are illustrated.
The skilled person will be able to envisage other embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2004862.5 | Apr 2020 | GB | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2021/058487 | 3/31/2021 | WO |