Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for extending the detection range of a structural health monitoring (SHM) system. A structure being monitored is scanned multiple times. A scan with no collection delay covers an original detection area of the SHM system. Scans with collection delays cover extended detection areas. The SHM system's detection range is extended when results of multiple scans with different collection delays are combined.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a photoionization detector (PID) system that can perform calibrations automatically. The PID system comprises a measurement gas chamber and one or more calibration gas chambers. The one or more calibration gas chambers each hold a type of calibration gas. In one embodiment, a volatile organic compounds (VOCs) measurement and a calibration measurement are conducted in the same gas chamber. In another embodiment, VOCs and calibration measurements are conducted in different gas chambers either simultaneously or at different times.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a train pantograph structural health monitoring system. The system includes one or more sensors mounted to or integrated with the train pantograph, a data acquisition unit for receiving signal or data from the sensors, and a processing unit for determining the train pantograph's structural health based on the received signal or data. Inspections via the system can be performed in real time continuously or periodically while a train is in service. It can also be performed offline while a train is not in service. Inspection method can be either passive, where sensors collect signals without generating excitation signals to the structure, or active, where some sensors are used as actuators to actively send excitation signals to the structure and other sensors or the actuators themselves collect the structural response signals. The data acquisition unit receives signals or data from sensors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mechanically strengthened piezoelectric sensor for Structural Health Monitoring applications. The sensor includes a two-sided piezo ceramic component, a sensor encapsulation, and at least two wires. The sensor encapsulation has an indented side that forms a recessed area. The recessed area has a supporting structure. The two-sided piezo ceramic component is mounted into the recessed area of the encapsulation and is supported by the supporting structure with the side facing outwards slightly lower than the upper edge of the recessed area. The supporting structure of the encapsulation provides mechanical strength to the piezo ceramic component. The wires are attached to the electrodes of the piezo ceramic component and extend out of the encapsulation. Alternatively, the mechanically strengthened piezoelectric sensor may further include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The piezo ceramic component is mounted on the PCB.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air quality monitoring device that can measure the hazardous gas contents, including benzene, formaldehyde and VOCs, and other air quality measurements inside train cars in real time. The air quality monitoring device can be installed inside a train car, either in the middle of the car, or at the end, or other locations. Each air quality device is equipped with a unique ID (e.g., MAC address, IP address, and RFID), which can be associated with a car or location inside the train. When hazardous gas level in a train car exceeds the safety level, this car or location can be identified and an air quality control unit injects or sprays photocatalyst material to the air to improve the air quality.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a train coupler structural health monitoring system. The system includes one or more sensors mounted to or integrated with the train coupler, a data acquisition unit for receiving signal or data from the sensors, and a processing unit for determining the train coupler's structural health based on the received signal or data. Inspections via the system can be performed in real time continuously or periodically while a train is in service. It can also be performed offline while a train is not in service. Inspection method can be either passive, where sensors collect signals without generating excitation signals to the structure, or active, where some sensors are used as actuators to actively send excitation signals to the structure and other sensors or the actuators themselves collect the structural response signals. The data acquisition unit receives signals or data from sensors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a smart structural health monitoring device. The device is an intelligent sensor device mounted onto or near the structure to be monitored. The device includes an actuating unit that generates acoustic or ultrasonic excitation signals across the structure, a sensor unit that receives the structure's responses to the excitation signals and generates corresponding sensor data, a processing unit that determines the structure's structural health (e.g., structural change, structural defect, structural damage) by processing the sensor data with analytics algorithms. The smart device also includes at least a non-volatile memory (e.g., Flash memory) for storing the structural health information and sensor data. Such a smart structural health monitoring device is capable of independently determining the structural changes and damages. And multiple smart structural health monitoring devices can be used for monitoring one or more structures at the same time.