Self-Powered Wireless Brake Shoe Force Measurement System for Train Brakes

Railroad freight car safety and maintenance cost is directly related to knowledge of the actual braking force provided by a brake shoe. If the brake force is too low, safety is at risk. If the brake shoe is replaced before the end of it’s lifetime to ensure safety, maintenance and thus operating costs are increased. Through Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding under the Department of Transportation (DoT) Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program, Mide´ Technology Corporation is developing a self-powered brake force measurement system applicable to freight trains. The system provides its own power using Mide´’s proprietary piezoelectric energy harvester that harnesses energy from structural vibrations inherent on all trains. The brake force is measured using specialty high temperature strain gages installed directly on the brake beam.