Using relatively simple technology, Mr. Chuck Popenoe has invented something with a high-tech aura: the Smartbolt.
This device is simple, low cost, highly accurate, reliable, reusable, and best of all, highly visible. This visibility comes from the indicator contained within the bolt.
Using some relatively simple physics, the components of the indicator do their job by selectively absorbing and reflecting light as it passes through. The result is nothing short of cool as tightening and elongation of bolt as it threads in, changes the geometry so that the color changes. The animation on their webpage is fun as you can tighten a virtual bolt and watch the color change.
What's Driving This Trend
- Color-changing Bolts
- There is an opportunity to disrupt the manufacturing industry by replacing traditional bolts with color-changing smartbolts.
- Smart and Visible Bolts
- The use of smartbolts can have a disruptive impact in the aerospace industry, making it easier to detect which bolts need to be tightened or replaced.
- Highly Accurate and Reliable Bolts
- There is a potential for disruptive innovation in the automotive industry by using highly accurate and reliable smartbolts to improve safety and durability of vehicles.
Who This Affects Most
- Manufacturing
- The use of smartbolts in the manufacturing industry can improve efficiency and accuracy of assembly lines.
- Aerospace
- Smartbolts can have a disruptive impact in the aerospace industry, making it easier to detect which bolts need to be tightened or replaced.
- Automotive
- There is a potential for disruptive innovation in the automotive industry by using highly accurate and reliable smartbolts to improve safety and durability of vehicles.
