Hot Bearing Detection with the “SMART-BOLT”
Abstract
Advances in communication electronics and battery technologies as well as innovative packaging ideas have lead to the development of a thermal sensor bolt which provides for real-time, continuous monitoring of bearing temperatures. The thermal sensor replaces a standard bearing end cap bolt at each end of an axle. The thermal sensor and transmitter are contained in the body of the bolt. When activated, transmit a distress signal directly to the engineer in the locomotive. The system consists of a battery as a power source, a thermomechanical sensor and actuator, a transmitter, and a receiver. Tests in railroad service continue at Burlington Northern Railroad as the SMART-BOLT production models are manufactured. Commercialization of the technology is currently under development for application of the SMART-BOLT throughout the industry.
Cat. No. 90CH2947-0
BibTeX
@conference{Tabacchi-1990-13092,author = {John G. Tabacchi and R. R. Newman and R. C. Leedham and D. A. Purta and G. G. Madered and R. Galli},
title = {Hot Bearing Detection with the "SMART-BOLT"},
booktitle = {Proceedings of ASME/IEEE/AAR Joint Railroad Conference},
year = {1990},
month = {April},
pages = {105 - 110},
}