SENSOR INTERFACE
First Claim
1. A sensor interface positionable between two objects, said sensor interface comprising:
- a flexible substrate having a first surface that interfaces with one of said objects and a second surface that interfaces with another of said objects;
at least one sensor embedded within said flexible substrate, said sensor being adapted to measure a parameter and generate an electrical signal indicative of said parameter.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor interface is disclosed including a flexible substrate in which are embedded sensors for measuring physical parameters such as temperature, displacement, velocity, acceleration, stress, strain, pressure and force present between objects such as a railcar bearing and a truck side frame. The substrate is positioned between the objects of interest Electronic components such as a data processing unit, a data storage device, a communication device and a power source may also be embedded within the substrate. The electronic devices communicate with one another and the sensors to process signals generated by the sensors indicative of the parameters being measured.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. A sensor interface positionable between two objects, said sensor interface comprising:
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a flexible substrate having a first surface that interfaces with one of said objects and a second surface that interfaces with another of said objects; at least one sensor embedded within said flexible substrate, said sensor being adapted to measure a parameter and generate an electrical signal indicative of said parameter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A sensor interface positionable between two objects, said sensor interface comprising:
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a flexible substrate having a first surface that interfaces with one of said objects and a second surface that interfaces with another of said objects; a plurality of sensors embedded within said flexible substrate, said sensor being adapted to measure a plurality of parameters selected from the group consisting of temperature, displacement, velocity, acceleration, stress, strain, pressure, and force and combinations thereof, said sensors generating electrical signals indicative of said parameters; a data processing unit embedded within said substrate and in communication with said sensor for receiving and processing said signals; a communication device embedded within said substrate and adapted to transmit data from said data processing unit; and a power source embedded within said substrate and providing electrical power to said sensor, said data processing unit, and said communication device. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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25. A method of measuring and evaluating a physical parameter at an interface between two objects, said method comprising:
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providing a flexible substrate positioned between said objects, said substrate comprising at least one sensor embedded therein; measuring said parameter using said sensor, said sensor generating electrical signals indicative of said parameter; providing a data processing unit in communication with said sensor; providing a communication device adapted to transmit data from said data processing unit; providing a power source for powering said sensor, said data processing unit and said communication device; said data processing unit receiving said signals from said sensor; said data processing unit performing operations on said signals, said operations selected from the group consisting of averaging, filtering, comparing, scaling, calibrating, spectral analysis, encryption and analog to digital conversion and combinations thereof; and said communication device transmitting information derived from said signals by said data processing unit. - View Dependent Claims (26)
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27. A railcar truck having a sensor interface positioned between a bearing adapter and a retainer pocket of a side frame of said truck, said sensor interface comprising:
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a flexible substrate having a first surface that interfaces with said bearing adapter and a second surface that interfaces with said side frame in said retainer pocket; at least one sensor embedded within said flexible substrate, said sensor being adapted to measure a parameter selected from the group consisting of temperature, displacement, velocity, acceleration, stress, strain, pressure and force and combinations thereof, said sensor generating an electrical signal indicative of said parameter; a data processing unit in communication with said sensor for receiving and processing said signals; a communication device adapted to transmit data from said data processing unit; and a power source providing electrical power to said sensor, said data processing unit, and said communication device. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification