Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for scheduled, real-time, or on-demand monitoring of welding joints with in-situ sensors. The apparatus includes at least one ultrasonic actuator, at least one ultrasonic receiver, a control unit, and a signal processing unit. The control unit controls the ultrasonic actuators and the ultrasonic receivers. The signal processing unit determines the status of the welding joint based on the ultrasonic signals reflected from or transmitted through the welding joint. The invention enables monitoring of the status of the welding joint, tracking of the occurrence and expansion of the welding defect, and determining the position and severity of the defect in real time while the equipment is in service. The invention can optimize the maintenance efficiency, change the periodical inspection to automatic and real-time monitoring, and effectively prevent disaster accidents.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for monitoring status of a railcar draft gear in an assembly. The assembly comprises the draft gear and a coupler. At least one accelerometer or strain sensor is installed. The at least one accelerometer is configured to measure acceleration or deceleration of the coupler. The at least one strain sensor is configured to measure strain exerted on the coupler. Data collected on the acceleration or deceleration, or the strain is analyzed by algorithms to ascertain status of the draft gear.