Elevator Braking Reaction Time Testing Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern elevators lack a method to effectively test and assess the braking performance, particularly in emergency or abnormal situations, leading to potential delays in unintended car movement prevention, which can compromise safety.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves starting the elevator car's movement, initiating a stopping sequence, monitoring acceleration, speed, or velocity, detecting a predefined response such as cessation of acceleration, and calculating the time elapsed to determine the reaction time of the braking system, which is then compared to predefined thresholds to identify any delays or performance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional inspection and diagnostics methods are used, then the elevator can operate with standard monitoring, but the braking performance in emergency situations cannot be effectively tested or assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary testing of the braking system by intentionally initiating a stopping sequence from a moving state before actual emergency situations occur. The system pre-assesses the reaction time of the braking system by monitoring the time from when the stopping sequence is initiated to when the car's acceleration ceases or velocity decreases, thereby obtaining performance information in advance without waiting for actual emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism that monitors the braking system's actual performance and compares it against required thresholds. The system detects whether the measured reaction time exceeds a predefined threshold value, and this feedback information is used to determine if the braking system requires maintenance or adjustment, enabling continuous improvement of braking reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the stopping sequence is initiated from a stationary state, then the test procedure is simpler, but the braking performance in actual emergency situations cannot be accurately assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the testing method from a static condition (stationary car) to a dynamic condition (moving car). By initiating the stopping sequence while the elevator car is in motion, the system accurately replicates actual emergency braking scenarios. The method monitors dynamic parameters such as acceleration and velocity changes to precisely measure the braking system's reaction time under realistic operating conditions.
3Reliability
If the reaction time threshold is set strictly, then safety is improved, but false alarms may increase reducing system productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter-based decision making by establishing a specific threshold value for reaction time (e.g., 200 milliseconds). The system compares the measured reaction time against this threshold parameter to objectively determine whether maintenance is required. This parameter-based approach provides a clear, quantifiable criterion that balances safety requirements with operational continuity, reducing subjective judgment and false alarms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for testing operation of an elevator comprising an elevator car (1), the method comprising starting movement of the elevator car (1); and thereafter starting a stopping sequence for stopping movement of the elevator car (1); and monitoring movement of the elevator car, said monitoring preferably including monitoring acceleration of the elevator car (1); and detecting a predefined response in movement of the elevator car (1), said predefined response preferably being cease of acceleration of the elevator car; and determining time (Δt1) elapsed between said starting a stopping sequence and said detected predefined response in movement of the elevator car (1), wherein said response is preferably cease of acceleration, for thereby determining reaction time of the elevator; and comparing said time elapsed (Δt1) with at least one reference, such as with at least one predefined threshold. The invention also relates to an elevator implementing said method.