Acoustic Transducer Elevator Motion Alert System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator motion alert systems require additional costs and time for installation in existing elevators due to the need for power supplies and wiring, and their placement is limited, making them cumbersome for maintenance and repair.
Innovation Solution
A Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) based elevator motion alert system using self-powering beacons on the elevator car, counterweight, and governor device, which transmit signals to a mechanic's mobile device to alert of approaching or departing components, eliminating the need for rewiring and allowing easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensing devices with power supplies and wiring are installed in existing elevators, then the system can detect elevator car and counterweight position, but the installation cost and time increase due to rewiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with a wireless acoustic field-based detection system. Instead of using traditional electrical sensors and wiring to detect elevator car and counterweight position, the system uses acoustic transducers that emit and receive sound waves to measure position and motion, eliminating the need for physical wiring infrastructure while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic transducers serve dual functions: they act as both sound sources for emission and as microphones for receiving echoes. This self-service capability allows the system to perform both transmission and reception functions using the same devices, reducing system complexity and eliminating the need for separate power supply and wiring infrastructure for each component
2Reliability
If traditional sensing devices are installed in existing elevators, then position sensing is achieved, but installation time and cost increase due to rewiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical wiring and power supply installations with a simple acoustic field-based system. The acoustic transducers can be installed without requiring electrical wiring, significantly reducing installation time and cost while maintaining reliable motion detection capability through acoustic wave propagation
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic transducers perform multiple functions including position sensing, motion detection, and communication without requiring separate specialized components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and installation requirements, allowing the system to be deployed in existing elevators with minimal disruption
3Device complexity
If acoustic transducers are used for motion detection, then wiring is eliminated and installation is simplified, but the system must rely on acoustic field propagation for position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses acoustic transducers to emit sound waves and receives the reflected echoes to determine the position and motion of the elevator car and counterweight. This feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor and detect position changes by analyzing the time delay and intensity variations of the acoustic echoes, achieving accurate measurement without wiring
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic transducers utilize mechanical vibration and sound wave propagation to detect position and motion. By measuring the vibration characteristics and echo patterns of acoustic waves reflected from the elevator car and counterweight, the system achieves reliable position determination without requiring electrical wiring or complex sensing infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective alerts for mechanics working within the elevator hoistway, preventing collisions by determining distance through signal intensity changes, and allowing easy installation without rewiring, covering various working positions including the pit, top, and intermediate locations.
Implementation Method 1
An acoustic transducer, mounted on the elevator car or counterweight, emits acoustic waves to detect motion of the elevator car or counterweight
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An elevator motion alert system for alerting a mechanic working inside a hoistway comprises a self-power-generating car beacon mounted on an elevator car, a self-power-generating counterweight beacon mounted on a counterweight, and a mobile device carried by the mechanic for receiving signals transmitted from the car beacon and the counterweight beacon and for providing an alert to the mechanic whenever the elevator car or the counterweight is approaching.