Elevator Counterweight Derailment Detection Using Non-Conductive Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing derailment detection systems for elevators require shutting off the current to a conductive wire during maintenance, which disrupts the detection process and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A derailment detection system that includes a wire installed parallel to the counterweight guide rails, pass-through detection sensors, and wire-contact detection sensors, allowing for derailment judgment without shutting off the current, even during maintenance, using a processor to analyze signals from these sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a current is flowing through a conductive wire provided in a shaft for derailment detection, then derailment detection is enabled, but a current shut-off circuit must be provided and current must be shut off during maintenance work in the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the power supply system by using a non-conductive wire instead of a conductive wire. The detection capability is separated into independent sensors (pass-through detection sensor and wire-contact detection sensor) that detect the presence and position of the wire without requiring electrical current flow. This eliminates the need for current shut-off circuits while maintaining derailment detection capability.
2Reliability
If a current shut-off circuit is provided for safety during maintenance, then safety is secured, but the detection process is disrupted and operations are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical-based detection system (using current flow through conductive wire) with a mechanical-based detection system (using physical presence and position detection of a non-conductive wire). The pass-through detection sensor detects whether the wire passes through a detection region, and the wire-contact detection sensor detects contact between the wire and sensor, both using mechanical/physical principles rather than electrical current, thereby eliminating the need for current shut-off during maintenance.
3Reliability
If a conductive wire is used for derailment detection, then detection function is achieved, but the wire interferes with maintenance work in the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electrical conductivity requirement from the detection wire, extracting only the essential function of providing a physical reference for detection. By using a non-conductive wire, the system maintains the wire's role as a detection reference while eliminating electrical hazards and interference with maintenance personnel working in the shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A derailment detection system for an elevator includes a wire that is installed in a space which does not interfere with a movement space of ascending-descending bodies ascending and descending in a shaft and that is stretched in parallel with a guide rail guiding ascent and descent of a counterweight, a pass-through detection sensor that is installed in the counterweight and detects whether or not the wire passes through an internal space, a wire-contact detection sensor that is installed in the counterweight and detects whether or not the wire-contact detection sensor is in contact with the wire, and derailment judgment processor that performs a derailment judgment process based on signals output from the pass-through detection sensor and the wire-contact detection sensor.