Elevator Traction Belt Insulation Defect Detection by Electrostatic Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing condition detection methods for elevator traction belt surface insulation layers rely on time-consuming and inaccurate visual inspections, necessitating a more reliable and automated solution.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a detecting component positioned adjacent to the surface insulation layer, applying static electricity, and detecting reactions such as current fluctuations, acoustic, or optical signals from electrical sparks to assess the integrity of the insulation layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visual inspection by maintenance personnel is used, then the detection method is simple to implement, but the detection accuracy and efficiency are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electrostatic detection system. A detecting component generates electrostatic field interactions with the insulation layer, and a detecting device measures electrical parameters (current, voltage, impedance) to identify defects. This substitution of mechanical/manual inspection with electrical field-based automated detection significantly improves measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized electrical measurement techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual visual inspection is used, then the equipment is simple, but the detection process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoiddetection equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual visual inspection with an automated electrostatic detection system that continuously monitors electrical parameters. The detecting component generates electrostatic fields that interact with the insulation layer, and the detecting device automatically measures and analyzes electrical signals to identify defects. This automation dramatically improves productivity by enabling continuous, rapid detection without manual intervention, while the electrical measurement approach keeps equipment complexity at acceptable levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If electrostatic detection is applied, then automated detection accuracy is improved, but the detection system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the electrostatic field as an intermediary between the detecting component and the insulation layer. The detecting component generates an electrostatic field that penetrates or interacts with the insulation layer, and defects (slits, holes) in the insulation layer alter the electrical parameters (current, voltage, impedance) of this field. The detecting device measures these parameter changes to identify defects. This intermediary approach enables high-precision automated detection while keeping the system relatively simple by leveraging fundamental electrostatic principles rather than requiring complex sensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Provides a stable, automated, and efficient detection of defects in the surface insulation layer, enhancing safety and reliability by identifying slits or holes through current or spark signals, with potential alarms and emergency stops.

Implementation Method 1

applying static electricity to the detecting component through a static electricity generation component; detecting the reaction of the elevator traction belt to the static electricity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

detecting a current fluctuation between the detecting component and the surface insulation layer of the elevator traction belt, an acoustic signal of the electrical spark or an optical signal of the electrical spark

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical spark: Electric Spark

Data Source

PatentEP3882207B1Condition detecting method for surface insulation layer of elevator traction belt
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3882207B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3882207B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3882207B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present application provides a condition detecting method and device (200) for a surface insulation layer of an elevator traction belt (107). The condition detecting method includes: positioning a detecting component (210) adjacent to the surface insulation layer of the elevator traction belt (107); moving the elevator traction belt (107) relative to the detecting component (210), so that the detecting component (210) scans the surface insulation layer of the elevator traction belt (107); applying static electricity to the detecting component (210) through a static electricity generation component (220); detecting the reaction of the elevator traction belt (107) to the static electricity; and identifying the condition of the surface insulation layer of the elevator traction belt (107) according to the detected reaction of the elevator traction belt (107) to the static electricity.