System and method for monitoring railcar performance

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A sensor device for monitoring temperature on a railcar, comprising:
a housing mountable on a railcar; a temperature sensor; electrical circuitry in communication with said temperature sensor for obtaining information regarding the temperature being sensed, said electrical circuitry positioned within said housing; a power source electrically connected to said electrical circuitry for providing power thereto, said power source positioned within said housing; a probe external to said housing and which probe includes said temperature sensor and a magnet positioned to magnetically attract the part of the railcar against which the probe will be placed; and a communication device capable of broadcasting information regarding the temperature sensed, said communication device positioned within said housing; wherein the power consumption of said sensor device is managed by placing said sensor device in a standby state and periodically awakening said sensor device to collect readings from said temperature sensor and to transmit the information regarding the temperature sensed via said communication circuitry.