Elevating Body Derailment Detection Using Photoelectric Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevating body derailment detection devices are unable to detect when an elevating body is detached from a guide rail until it moves to a section with installed brackets, leading to delayed detection.
Innovation Solution
An elevating body derailment detection device equipped with a photoelectric sensor and a wire positioned to block the photodetector's light, allowing early detection of derailment by changing the light reception pattern when the elevating body moves relative to the wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If brackets are provided only in partial areas of the hoistway, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection timing is delayed until the elevating body reaches the bracket location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical bracket-based detection system with an optical detection system using light emitters and photodetectors. This substitution allows for continuous detection coverage without requiring physical brackets at every location, thereby reducing device complexity while improving detection timing to occur at any position along the guide rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wire elements as intermediaries that work with the optical sensors to enable detection. The wire is positioned to block the light path between the light emitter and photodetector when the elevating body is properly positioned, creating a new detection mechanism that provides earlier and more continuous detection coverage without requiring extensive bracket installation.
2Reliability
If brackets are installed throughout the entire hoistway length, then the detection coverage is improved, but the manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into distributed optical sensors (light emitters and photodetectors) mounted on the elevating body itself, rather than requiring continuous bracket installation along the entire hoistway. This segmentation allows detection coverage throughout the hoistway while reducing installation complexity at any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevating body is given a dual function: it serves both as the transported object and as the carrier for the detection sensors. By mounting light emitters and photodetectors on the elevating body, the system achieves comprehensive detection coverage without requiring separate bracket structures throughout the hoistway, thereby improving reliability while reducing installation complexity.
3Speed
If the photodetector is positioned to receive light directly from the light emitter, then the detection response is immediate, but the wire cannot block the light path for proper derailment detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the light emitter and photodetector relative to the wire. The light emitter and photodetector are positioned at angles such that when the elevating body is properly aligned, the wire blocks the light path. When derailment occurs, the asymmetric geometry causes the light path to clear the wire, enabling immediate detection while maintaining proper blocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the detection mechanism from a one-dimensional direct line-of-sight arrangement to a multi-dimensional geometric configuration. By positioning the light emitter and photodetector at specific angles and using the wire's spatial arrangement, the system achieves both immediate detection response and reliable derailment detection through three-dimensional light path geometry.
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 early detection of elevating body derailment by altering the light reception pattern, promptly stopping the operation and alerting maintenance when a derailment occurs.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter which performs irradiation of light and a photodetector which receives the light
Data Source
AI summary
An elevating body derailment detection device includes: a photoelectric sensor provided on an elevating body elevated and lowered along a guide rail, including a light emitter which performs irradiation of light and a photodetector which receives the light, and attached to a position where the photodctector is blocked from receiving the light by the guide rail or a wire provided in parallel with an elevating and lowering direction of the elevating body; and a detector configured to detect that the elevating body is detached from the guide rail. The photodetector receives the light in response to the photoelectric sensor moving from the position. The detector detects that the elevating body is detached from the guide rail when the photodetector receives the light.