Conveyor Drive Monitoring via Local Sensor Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems face inefficiencies due to the use of general-purpose sensors and actuators that are not specifically designed for elevator drives, leading to complexity, high costs, and delayed processing, which can affect ride comfort and operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a dedicated sensor array and processing unit that measures and processes data locally, reducing data transfer complexity and enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance by detecting deviations in operational parameters and sending relevant information to the control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If general-purpose sensors and actuators are used to monitor conveyor system operation, then the system can be designed to fit a wide variety of applications, but the system becomes complicated, expensive, and slow due to overlapping processing and control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into dedicated functional units: sensor arrays for data collection, processing units for local analysis, and communication channels for data transmission. This segmentation eliminates overlapping functions while maintaining adaptability through modular design that can be configured for different conveyor applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by placing processing units directly at the machinery side where sensors are located, enabling local data processing and analysis. This reduces the need for complex centralized processing and allows the system to be tailored to specific local monitoring needs while simplifying overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If general-purpose sensors and actuators are used to monitor conveyor system operation, then the system can be designed to fit a wide variety of applications, but the processing speed decreases due to delayed controlling when measurement data deviates from normal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having processing units continuously analyze measurement data in real-time as it is collected by sensors. This continuous local processing ensures that deviations from normal operation are detected immediately, enabling rapid response and control actions without the delays associated with centralized batch processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where processing units continuously monitor measurement data, compare it against normal operating parameters, and trigger immediate control responses when deviations are detected. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures fast processing speed while maintaining versatility through configurable monitoring thresholds and response protocols.
3Reliability
If measurement data is conveyed from sensors to control unit through dedicated cabling, then data can be transferred distinctly from the machinery side, but the complexity of the conveyor system increases and delays in processing measurement data occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of data collection, processing, and communication by integrating processing units directly with sensor arrays at the machinery side. This consolidation eliminates the need for extensive dedicated cabling between sensors and control units, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable data transfer through integrated communication channels.
4Measurement precision
If many separate sensors and actuators are positioned in applicable positions within the elevator drive, then comprehensive operational information can be obtained, but the system becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing processing units that can handle multiple types of sensor data and perform various analysis functions. These multi-functional processing units replace the need for numerous specialized sensors and actuators, maintaining comprehensive operational monitoring while simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a conveyor system comprising: a drive machine, a conveyor control unit configured to control operation of a conveyor device, a sensor array comprising at least one sensor mounted to the drive machine and adapted to measure one or more properties of the drive machine, a processing unit associated with the drive machine, wherein the processing unit is connected to the sensor array and configured to obtain and process measurement data from the sensor array to generate in-formation about an operation of the drive machine, and a communication channel between the conveyor control unit and the processing unit. The conveyor system may be an elevator system, an escalator system or a moving walk system.