Intevia FAQ

Energy Delivery

Q: Why does the fastening mechanism require power?

A: Intevia^® fastening mechanisms require power to activate the electronics for communications and control purposes, and to apply the necessary energy to the actuator to enable its operation.

Q: Must the fastening mechanism always be powered?

A: No. Depending on the application, power to the electronics can be switched off for most of the time, but reapplied when the fastener mechanism operation is required. This could be controlled by a master enable switch, a sleep mode function or a mechanism to detect radio frequency energy from an external source.

Q: Can the fastening mechanism be powered from a vehicle electrical system?

A: Yes. Intevia^® intelligent fasteners can be powered from 12V, 24V or higher voltage electrical systems. Fastener mechanism design is optimized for the voltage levels and drive current available.

Q: Can fastening mechanisms be powered by battery?

A: Yes. Intevia^® intelligent fasteners can be battery powered, as long as batteries have sufficient current delivery capacity to provide the required operating current and sufficient energy capacity to power the electronics for the required period when idle. Nickel metal hydride "AA" cells can typically power fastener mechanisms.

Q: Can mains power be used?

A: Mains power can be used through an inexpensive voltage adapter. This could include a trickle-charged battery to provide peak currents during fastener mechanism operation, and backup power during mains power failures.

Q: Can the fastening mechanism have backup power systems?

A: The power for Intevia^® intelligent fasteners can be made redundant by the provision of two separate power sources. For example, mains derived power source in conjunction with a battery - both sources are capable of independently powering the fastener mechanism.