Elastic Wave Rope Deterioration Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for examining the deterioration of ropes used in elevators, cranes, and bridges are inadequate as they require the ropes to be removed or visually inspected, making it difficult to assess their condition in real-time during operation.
Innovation Solution
A detection system comprising sensors installed near the end portions and sheaves of the ropes that detect elastic waves generated by rope deterioration, converting them into detection signals and calculating the position of the deterioration using time difference and positional information, allowing for continuous monitoring without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rope examination is performed by removing the rope or visual inspection, then the examination can be conducted, but the rope cannot be monitored in real-time during operation and requires downtime or manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical rope removal with an automated acoustic emission detection system. Sensors mounted on the hoist detect elastic waves generated by rope deterioration, enabling continuous monitoring without interrupting elevator operation. This substitution of mechanical inspection methods with acoustic field-based detection resolves the contradiction between reliable rope assessment and operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rope deterioration detection system operates autonomously by continuously monitoring acoustic emissions from the rope during normal elevator operation. The system self-activates when deterioration occurs, automatically detecting and locating the issue without requiring manual intervention or operational downtime, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed to detect elastic waves from different positions, then the position of deterioration can be accurately calculated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring task by installing sensors at specific segmented locations: one sensor near the rope end portion and additional sensors near sheaves at different heights. This segmentation of sensor placement enables triangulation to accurately calculate deterioration position while keeping the number of sensors minimal, thus balancing measurement precision with device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the sheave structure as an intermediary mounting platform for sensors. By attaching sensors to the sheave, the system gains multiple detection positions without requiring independent sensor supports or complex installation structures. The sheave serves as a natural intermediary that simplifies sensor deployment while enabling accurate spatial localization of rope deterioration.
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 real-time monitoring of rope deterioration, identifying potential issues before they lead to wire cuts or other failures, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of elevator operations.
Implementation Method 1
sensors that detect an elastic wave generated from the rope and convert the elastic wave into a detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a detection system detects deterioration of a rope through at least one sheave. The system includes a plurality of sensors and a calculator. The sensors are configured to detect an elastic wave generated from the rope and convert the elastic wave into a detection signal. At least one of the sensors is installed near an end portion of the rope. At least one of the sensors is installed at the sheave. The calculator is configured to calculate a position of the rope where the elastic wave has been generated, based on a propagating speed of the elastic wave, time difference information of a plurality of detected times of the elastic waves detected by the respective sensors, and positional information indicating positions of the respective sensors.