Researchers create self-powered smart screws that send alerts when loose

In an effort to improve the process of periodic building quality checks, researchers at Fraunhofer Cluster of Cognitive Perfection Internet Technologies (CCIT) have successfully built a smart snail that can spontaneously generate Warn if it's not as tight as it was on the first day of assembly.

No matter how tight the screws are, these devices will always loosen during use. Snails on bridges, windmills, cranes, or even roller coasters will wobble under the constant impact of the vibrations. They can loosen over time, and can have unpredictable consequences.

That's why the team wanted to add sensors to the screws. Leveraging the connecting power of the Internet of Things, the snail contains an alert system that indicates when the snail is loose.

This screw can spontaneously issue a warning if it is not as tight as it was on the first day of assembly.

The device, called Smart Screw Connection , has a thin layer of heavy-duty film that darkens the hair. They will create resistance when there is a physical impact on them. In this case, when tightening the screw, the sensor will measure the pressure at 3 points on the screw. When the screw loosens, the pressure on the film is not much and causes the resistance to change, the sensor will issue a warning signal.

The head of the snail also contains a radio transmitter mechanism, which can transmit data wirelessly to a station located not far away; Smart Screw Conenction uses MIoTy wireless signal transmission protocol, has a coverage range of up to 20km.

Smart screws help reduce maintenance costs, reduce waiting time for maintenance.

One station can monitor the data of 100,000 smart devices. The above data is open-ended, meaning anyone with the Internet can access and check the tightness of individual screws. Smart screws not only help reduce maintenance costs , but also reduce maintenance waiting time when owning a remote alarm system.

To avoid having to change batteries for each screw, the researchers introduced Smart Screw Connection technology to generate electricity from thermal energy. The difference between the heat in the snail's head and its surroundings generates electricity, continuously providing 'fuel' for the snail to operate.

Modern technology will help reduce human workload, and at the same time ensure the stability of the work, avoiding unfortunate accidents.