Elevator Auto-Positioning for Remote Component Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physical inspection of elevator components is challenging due to the confined nature of elevator systems, and existing technologies lack efficient methods for automatically gathering information to determine the root cause of maintenance issues, especially when confidence levels are low.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system equipped with cameras and sensors, controlled by a processor, which enables auto-positioning of the elevator car and captures images or video of specified components for analysis, transmitting data to a maintenance server for root cause determination and validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical inspection of elevator components is performed manually, then detailed visual examination can be conducted, but the inspection process is time-consuming and difficult due to confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras to create visual copies (images and videos) of elevator components, allowing remote inspection without physical presence in confined spaces. The camera system captures detailed visual data that can be analyzed remotely, replacing the need for mechanics to physically access difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining inspection accuracy and significantly reducing inspection time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated camera-based system. The camera system, controlled by a processor, automatically positions itself and captures images of target components, substituting the mechanical process of manual inspection with an automated optical system that eliminates time loss while preserving measurement precision
2Productivity
If automated camera system is implemented, then inspection efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the controller, which manages both the camera system and elevator car positioning. The controller serves as a universal device that coordinates camera activation, car movement to specific floors, and image capture sequencing, thereby improving inspection efficiency without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is designed to automatically position itself and capture images of target components without requiring external control for each action. The processor-controlled camera autonomously navigates to viewing positions and captures necessary visual data, enabling self-service operation that improves productivity while minimizing the complexity of external control systems
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system is described. Aspects include an elevator shaft, an elevator car, and at least one camera, wherein the camera is operated by a controller. The controller configured to receive a maintenance request associated with the elevator system. The maintenance request is analyzed to determine an operational mode for the elevator car. The operational mode is enabled for the elevator car. The camera captures media associated with the elevator system responsive to enabling the operational mode for the elevator car.