Methods, devices, and systems, for analyzing and managing data generated by a sensor-equipped braking system for vehicles, comprising a support element a block of friction material, at least one sensor interposed between the block of friction material and the support element, comprising at least one central control unit capable of receiving in real time from the sensor means at least the basic data related to one or more of the pressure of the activated braking system, the temperature of the activated braking system, the braking torque, the residual braking torque when the braking system is deactivated, and the wear on the braking system during and after activation thereof. The system can also include one or more auxiliary sensors.

An abnormality diagnosis method that diagnoses abnormality of a braking unit included in a prescribed apparatus that includes: the braking unit including a pressing member, an urging member that urges the pressing member toward an actuator, and an attraction device that releases an urging state of the pressing member that is pressed by the urging member; and a controller configured to control braking by the braking unit and that changes operation programs each including a plurality of operation steps, based on an attraction time period when the pressing member is separated from the actuator to release braking. The abnormality diagnosis method includes: a step of the prescribed apparatus calculating the attraction time period when the prescribed apparatus executes prescribed operation steps associated with corresponding operation programs; and a step of diagnosing abnormality of the braking unit based on the calculated attraction time period.

A method of testing elevator car braking distance includes verifying that an elevator car is empty. The method also includes initiating a test procedure. The method further includes triggering a safety actuation device to actuate at least one safety brake to stop an elevator car. The method yet further includes recording braking data during a braking period. The method also includes recording braking data with at least one piece of elevator car equipment. The method further includes generating a braking data report that includes at least one of braking distance and braking deceleration of the elevator car.

Methods, devices, and systems, for analyzing and managing data generated by a sensor-equipped braking system for vehicles, comprising a support element a block of friction material, at least one sensor interposed between the block of friction material and the support element, comprising at least one central control unit capable of receiving in real time from the sensor means at least the basic data related to one or more of the pressure of the activated braking system, the temperature of the activated braking system, the braking torque, the residual braking torque when the braking system is deactivated, and the wear on the braking system during and after activation thereof. The system can also include one or more auxiliary sensors.

An abnormality diagnosis method that diagnoses abnormality of a braking unit included in a prescribed apparatus that includes: the braking unit including a pressing member, an urging member that urges the pressing member toward an actuator, and an attraction device that releases an urging state of the pressing member that is pressed by the urging member; and a controller configured to control braking by the braking unit and that changes operation programs each including a plurality of operation steps, based on an attraction time period when the pressing member is separated from the actuator to release braking. The abnormality diagnosis method includes: a step of the prescribed apparatus calculating the attraction time period when the prescribed apparatus executes prescribed operation steps associated with corresponding operation programs; and a step of diagnosing abnormality of the braking unit based on the calculated attraction time period.

Methods, devices, and systems, for analyzing and managing data generated by a sensor-equipped braking system for vehicles, comprising a support element a block of friction material, at least one sensor interposed between the block of friction material and the support element, comprising at least one central control unit capable of receiving in real time from the sensor means at least the basic data related to one or more of the pressure of the activated braking system, the temperature of the activated braking system, the braking torque, the residual braking torque when the braking system is deactivated, and the wear on the braking system during and after activation thereof. The system can also include one or more auxiliary sensors.

A method of testing elevator car braking distance includes verifying that an elevator car is empty. The method also includes initiating a test procedure. The method further includes triggering a safety actuation device to actuate at least one safety brake to stop an elevator car. The method yet further includes recording braking data during a braking period. The method also includes recording braking data with at least one piece of elevator car equipment. The method further includes generating a braking data report that includes at least one of braking distance and braking deceleration of the elevator car.

To obtain vehicle speed deviation data for changeover between accelerator and brake properly with inclination of a standard mode. In technique of calculating a changeover vehicle speed deviation from accelerator to brake in driving vehicle along standard mode (target vehicle speed) of vehicle drive pattern defined by time and vehicle speed within range of predetermined vehicle speed and time deviations from standard mode, an inclination AB of the standard mode is calculated by approximate differentiation of vehicle speed at a judgment standard point A of a current time instant on standard mode, first inclination AB is multiplied by an accelerator-to-brake changeover time deviation preset value t.sub.1, and the accelerator-to-brake changeover vehicle speed deviation from the judgment standard point A to a changeover judgment point E for changeover at the current time instant is calculated by addition of the product and an accelerator-to-brake changeover vehicle speed deviation preset value V.sub.1.

To obtain vehicle speed deviation data for changeover between accelerator and brake properly with inclination of a standard mode. In technique of calculating a changeover vehicle speed deviation from accelerator to brake in driving vehicle along standard mode (target vehicle speed) of vehicle drive pattern defined by time and vehicle speed within range of predetermined vehicle speed and time deviations from standard mode, an inclination AB of the standard mode is calculated by approximate differentiation of vehicle speed at a judgment standard point A of a current time instant on standard mode, first inclination AB is multiplied by an accelerator-to-brake changeover time deviation preset value t.sub.1, and the accelerator-to-brake changeover vehicle speed deviation from the judgment standard point A to a changeover judgment point E for changeover at the current time instant is calculated by addition of the product and an accelerator-to-brake changeover vehicle speed deviation preset value V.sub.1.

A predictive maintenance system for determining when an item of equipment on a rail car is due for servicing. A server is configured to receive run data relating to a train and a database is associated with the server to maintain identifying information about the rail car, status information about an item of equipment, the date when the item of equipment will likely be due for servicing, and the current location of the rail car. The service date is calculated from the run data by estimating the amount of wear that likely has occurred based on the run data. The estimated amount of wear may then be used to determine the amount of wear remaining and the date when the equipment will likely reach its lifespan based on estimated use to date and the rate of usage.