US 12,331,773 B2
Apparatus and method for providing a secure tension connection
Juan Redin Miqueleiz, San Jose, CA (US)
Assigned to SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY S.L., Sarriguren (ES)
Filed by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Innovation & Technology S.L., Sarriguren (ES)
Filed on Feb. 3, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/166,209.
Claims priority of application No. 20380007 (EP), filed on Feb. 20, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0262503 A1, Aug. 26, 2021
Int. Cl. F16B 31/04 (2006.01); F16B 5/06 (2006.01)
CPC F16B 5/0621 (2013.01) [F16B 31/04 (2013.01); F05B 2260/30 (2013.01); Y02E 10/72 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for providing a secure tension connection,
the apparatus comprising:
a fastener with a flange for interaction with a shank, the flange having an inner part that is a connection area for the shank, and an outer part that protrudes from the inner part to form an outer edge of the flange; and
a plurality of spacers having an opening;
wherein the flange comprises a plurality of spaced-apart through holes overlying a support member, the plurality of spaced-apart through holes configured to allow lifting elements to pass through the spaced-apart through holes from a top side of the flange and extend a distance from a bottom side of the flange to contact the support member;
wherein the lifting elements are configured to contact the support member under an applied torque thereby tensioning the fastener by forming a gap between the support member and the flange, and each spacer of the plurality of spacers is inserted within the gap;
wherein the spaced-apart through holes are configured to allow the lifting elements to be removed from the top side of the flange, and, when the lifting elements are removed from the plurality of spaced-apart through holes of the flange, tension forces applied on the fastener are maintained by the plurality of spacers and the bottom side of the flange physically contacts the plurality of spacers;
wherein the fastener is a bolt, the flange is a head of the bolt, and a bottom end of the shank, which is distal to the head is located within a connection element configured to receive the fastener;
wherein the plurality of spacers reside underneath the flange from the inner part of the flange to at least the outer edge of the flange;
wherein the plurality of spacers are flexible to provide a suspension that isolates the shank from external influences.