US 5,492,002 A · Instrumented wheelset system

Abstract

An instrumented wheelset system and method for providing an accurate and integrated instrumented wheelset on a train or other vehicle is provided. A subject wheelset is profiled and subjected to finite element analysis. Simulated loading of the wheelset is used to help determine suitable target locations on the wheelset surface for placement of strain sensors. Simulated output of the strain sensors so positioned is recorded to develop wheel sensitivities, without inaccuracies due to strain sensor output ripple and crosstalk. The strain sensors are installed based on the modelled characteristics, and subjected to methodical calibration on a calibration fixture. After any adjustments, the wheelset may be installed on a vehicle including a computer and intelligent data acquisition units for gathering wheelplate data on a live-rolling, realtime basis.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A system for producing an instrumented wheelset including strain sensors for measuring strains on the wheelset, comprising:

profiling means for determining and storing a profile of a subject wheelset;
first modelling means for modelling dynamic behavior of the subject wheelset using the profile and simulated loading data, and outputting and storing first wheelset data;
second modelling means for receiving the first wheelset data as input and determining target positions for a plurality of orthogonal strain sensors using the first wheelset data;
third modelling means for providing a simulated output of the strain sensors positioned at the target positions, and adjusting the target positions if the simulated output deviates from a threshold by a predetermined amount;
calibration means for calibrating the plurality of strain sensors installed on the subject wheelset at the target positions according to predetermined loading conditions;
and
data acquisition means for receiving sensor output data from the plurality of strain sensors and selectively isolating undesired corruption.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Instrumented wheelset system

Life of this patent

Instrumented wheelset system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14