Elevator Damper Weight Measurement via Non-Contact Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator load measurement systems are costly, require extensive adjustment and calibration, and are complicated, making them inefficient for accurately measuring the weight of elevator cars using contact-based methods.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact load measurement system that utilizes dampers with predetermined compression characteristics, comprising an upper and lower plate with an elastic filler, to compress based on the load applied, and a sensor assembly to measure the compression distance, allowing for accurate weight calculation without contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are positioned between the elevator car and platform to measure weight, then weight measurement capability is achieved, but the system becomes complicated and requires extensive adjustment and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure sensor systems with a simpler mechanical damper system combined with non-contact optical sensing. Instead of using pressure sensors that require calibration and adjustment, the invention uses a damper whose compression distance can be measured optically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical contact and calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a damper as an intermediary element between the elevator car and platform. This damper serves as a mechanical mediator that converts weight force into a measurable compression distance, which is then measured by non-contact optical sensors, simplifying the overall measurement system.
2Measurement precision
If tension measurement systems are used to measure elevator car weight, then weight measurement is achieved, but the cost of components for controlling and measuring becomes relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a damper mechanism that is simpler and less expensive than tension measurement systems. The damper is a straightforward mechanical component with predictable compression characteristics, eliminating the need for expensive sensors and control systems required for tension measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive tension measurement systems with a combination of simple mechanical dampers and inexpensive non-contact optical sensors. This substitution dramatically reduces component costs while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If contact-based pressure sensors are used to measure weight, then weight measurement is achieved, but wear occurs and calibration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based pressure sensors with non-contact optical sensors that measure the compression distance of a damper. This eliminates mechanical wear between sensing components and removes the need for calibration, as the optical measurement directly captures the damper's physical compression state.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper serves itself by providing a visible, measurable compression state that can be detected optically without requiring active calibration or adjustment. The system is self-calibrating in the sense that the physical compression distance directly represents the weight force applied.
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
The system provides accurate weight measurements of elevator compartments with reduced costs, minimal calibration needs, and decreased wear, while eliminating the complexity of contact-based systems, using non-contact sensors to detect damper compression and calculate weight effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a damper configured to be positioned between the compartment and a platform and to compress at a predetermined rate based on a load of the compartment
Implementation Method 2
The first spring and the elastic filler are configured to compress at a predetermined rate based on a force being exerted against the upper plate and the lower plate
Implementation Method 3
sensing a compression distance of the damper, corresponding to a difference between a non-compressed state and a compressed state based on the compressing of the damper
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed a load measurement system (100) includes a compartment (110), a damper (112) and a weight calculation unit (131). The damper (112) is configured to be positioned between the compartment (110) and a platform (121) and to compress at a predetermined rate based on a load of the compartment (110). The weight calculation unit (131) is configured to calculate a weight of the compartment (110) based on the compression of the damper (112).