A system for monitoring operation of a railcar having one or more sensing units, mounted on the railcar, for monitoring operating parameters and or conditions of the railcar, and a communication management unit, in wireless communication with the sensing units, wherein the system can make a determination of an alarm condition based on data collected the sensing units. A temperature sensor device for use in such a system is also provided.

A system for monitoring operation of a railcar having one or more sensing units, mounted on the railcar, for monitoring operating parameters and or conditions of the railcar, and a communication management unit, in wireless communication with the sensing units, wherein the system can make a determination of an alarm condition based on data collected the sensing units. A temperature sensor device for use in such a system is also provided.

A method includes determining a location of a vehicle system traveling on a track during a first trip relative to a curve in the track. The method also includes monitoring a temperature profile at a contact interface between a wheel of the vehicle system and a rail of the track that contacts the wheel as the vehicle system traverses the curve in the track. The temperature profile is based, at least in part, on a first speed profile of the vehicle system during the first trip. The method further includes analyzing the temperature profile to detect a flanging event between the wheel and the rail as the vehicle system traverses along the curve in response to the temperature profile indicating that a flange of the wheel engages a side of the rail.

A system which eliminates the need for wayside monitoring of railcar wheel bearings and wheels includes a temperature sensor located on the railcar in close proximity to the bogie; a measuring laser located on the railcar in close proximity to the bogie and arranged to monitor breakage; a power source for the temperature sensor and the measuring laser; and a wireless transmitter to transmit the data collected by the temperature sensor and the measuring laser.

A system which eliminates the need for wayside monitoring of railcar wheel bearings and wheels includes a temperature sensor located on the railcar in close proximity to the bogie; a measuring laser located on the railcar in close proximity to the bogie and arranged to monitor breakage; a power source for the temperature sensor and the measuring laser; and a wireless transmitter to transmit the data collected by the temperature sensor and the measuring laser.

The invention provides a railway condition monitoring sensor device attached to a railway bearing of a railway vehicle including at least one vibration sensor; means for detecting movement of the railway vehicle; a control unit for processing at least the signals obtained by the vibration sensor to determine a health parameter indicating the bearings state of health. The control unit triggers measurements based on at least one predetermined condition; and a wireless communication device for communicating the health parameter to a monitoring and control server. The control unit configured to be operated in an energy-saving sleep mode and in at an activated mode. The control unit is configured to switch from the sleep mode to the activated mode upon detecting that a predetermined set of conditions is met. The predetermined set of conditions includes the condition that the means for detecting the movement detects that the railway vehicle is moving.

Provided is a railway vehicle bearing abnormality sensing system that can accurately perform abnormality determination for railway vehicle bearings. The system (100) senses an abnormality in a plurality of rolling bearings (17) housed in an axle box (3) provided to a bogie (2). The system (100) includes: vibration detection devices (15) each detecting vibration of a rolling bearing; an analysis device (6) determining an abnormality in the bearings (17) on the basis of detection data detected by the device (15); and reception response detection start module (13) receiving a detection start signal and cause the device (15) to detect vibration of the rolling bearing. The system (100) further includes a measurement start command transmitting device (4), installed apart from a railway vehicle, transmitting the detection start signal to the module (13).

Provided is a railway vehicle bearing abnormality sensing system that can accurately perform abnormality determination for railway vehicle bearings. The system (100) senses an abnormality in a plurality of rolling bearings (17) housed in an axle box (3) provided to a bogie (2). The system (100) includes: vibration detection devices (15) each detecting vibration of a rolling bearing; an analysis device (6) determining an abnormality in the bearings (17) on the basis of detection data detected by the device (15); and reception response detection start module (13) receiving a detection start signal and cause the device (15) to detect vibration of the rolling bearing. The system (100) further includes a measurement start command transmitting device (4), installed apart from a railway vehicle, transmitting the detection start signal to the module (13).

A temperature detection system for railway applications is provided. The system may include at least one infrared (IR) sensing element configured to detect IR signals emitted by a rail or a railcar, and a controller in communication with the at least one IR sensing element. The controller may be configured to receive the IR signals from the at least one IR sensing element, extract IR data corresponding to at least one of a rail and an undercarriage of the railcar from the IR signals, and generate a characteristic thermal profile of at least one of an ambient temperature and a rail temperature based on the IR data.

A temperature detection system for railway applications is provided. The system may include at least one infrared (IR) sensing element configured to detect IR signals emitted by a rail or a railcar, and a controller in communication with the at least one IR sensing element. The controller may be configured to receive the IR signals from the at least one IR sensing element, extract IR data corresponding to at least one of a rail and an undercarriage of the railcar from the IR signals, and generate a characteristic thermal profile of at least one of an ambient temperature and a rail temperature based on the IR data.