Elevator Alignment via Onboard Sensor and Magnet Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator alignment systems face challenges in achieving accurate leveling between the elevator car and the landing due to environmental factors like settlement and debris accumulation, which require manual adjustments and maintenance, impacting the ability to ensure proper entry and exit from the elevator.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor and magnet array system on both the elevator car and landing, allowing for lateral magnetic field sensing to indicate alignment, eliminating the need for hoistway-level positioning tape and enabling alignment upon arrival without requiring access for inspection or maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positioning tape with perforations or magnets is disposed along the hoistway, then the elevator car positioning and leveling can be determined via sensor readings, but the system is susceptible to environmental degradation such as settlement, debris accumulation, and frictional wear that deteriorate measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment sensing function from the hoistway environment by placing sensors and magnets on the elevator car itself rather than on fixed hoistway structures. This removes the sensing system from the degrading environmental context, eliminating the harmful effects of settlement, debris, and wear on the measurement components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system (cameras, markers, computer vision) that mediates between the elevator car and the landing alignment reference. This intermediary system provides a degradation-resistant method for determining alignment that does not rely on physical contact or fixed hoistway infrastructure susceptible to environmental damage.
2Ease of operation
If veins or positioning tape are installed in the hoistway to enable leveling, then elevator car alignment can be achieved, but manual adjustment and maintenance are required which disrupt elevator operation and require technician access to the hoistway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-aligning system where the elevator car automatically determines its alignment status with the landing using onboard sensors and computer vision. The system self-corrects and self-verifys alignment without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the need for technician access to the hoistway for maintenance or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems (veins, positioning tape requiring manual adjustment) with an optical and computational system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical adjustment mechanisms and manual intervention, allowing the system to automatically maintain and verify alignment through digital sensing and processing.
3Productivity
If advanced car door opening is implemented to begin opening prior to full alignment, then passenger flow efficiency is improved, but accurate leveling becomes even more critical to prevent door misalignment and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary door opening action by providing accurate real-time alignment data through the sensor system. The system determines alignment status continuously, allowing the control system to initiate door opening sequences in advance with confidence that alignment requirements will be met, thus improving productivity without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback on alignment status through multiple sensors (cameras, magnetic sensors, encoders) that monitor the elevator car's position and leveling in real-time. This feedback loop allows the control system to make precise adjustments and verify alignment before and during door opening, enabling advanced door operation while maintaining high accuracy requirements.
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
This solution ensures accurate and independent alignment of the elevator car with the landing, facilitating smooth entry and exit without the need for hoistway maintenance, reducing operational disruptions and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
each of the CAM and the LAM provides a sensor and magnet array that is operative to indicate alignment of the elevator car with the elevator landing
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator alignment system providing alignment between respective sills of an elevator car and an entrance landing to/from which the cab is scheduled, via alignment members disposed with the sills.