Train coupler structural health monitoring system
US10618532B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB61L23/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention discloses a train coupler structural health monitoring system. The system includes one or more sensors mounted to or integrated with the train coupler, a data acquisition unit for receiving signal or data from the sensors, and a processing unit for determining the train coupler's structural health based on the received signal or data. Inspections via the system can be performed in real time continuously or periodically while a train is in service. It can also be performed offline while a train is not in service. Inspection method can be either passive, where sensors collect signals without generating excitation signals to the structure, or active, where some sensors are used as actuators to actively send excitation signals to the structure and other sensors or the actuators themselves collect the structural response signals. The data acquisition unit receives signals or data from sensors. The processing unit processes sensor data acquired by the data acquisition unit and determines if there are structural changes or damages.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.