Elevator Door Interlock Automated Displacement Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator interlock and deterrent systems require regular maintenance and inspections, posing risks to technicians and consuming time, as they are typically actuated by solenoids or mechanically linked, necessitating a solution to automate testing and reduce maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically testing the elevator car door interlock and deterrent mechanism, utilizing a controller to operate the elevator car, measure door displacement, and ensure proper alignment and operation, with optional presence detection and remote initiation, to determine if the system meets specified displacement thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection and maintenance of interlock systems is performed, then technicians can directly assess system condition, but technician safety risks increase and maintenance time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system performs self-testing through automated door operation cycles. The controller automatically opens and closes doors, measures displacement, and determines pass/fail status without human intervention, enabling the system to monitor its own health and eliminate the need for technicians to physically inspect dangerous components
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical inspection by technicians is replaced with an automated electronic testing system. The controller electronically actuates the interlock mechanism, uses sensors to measure door displacement, and processes test results automatically, substituting human physical assessment with electronic measurement and control systems
2Reliability
If regular maintenance inspections are conducted, then system functionality can be verified, but maintenance time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs maintenance testing at scheduled intervals through automated controller execution. The periodic test cycles automatically verify interlock functionality without requiring manual technician intervention, maintaining system reliability while minimizing operational disruption through efficient automated procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock system autonomously performs its own maintenance verification through automated door operation and displacement measurement. The controller executes test sequences, evaluates results, and determines system status without external assistance, eliminating maintenance time requirements while ensuring continuous functionality verification
3Productivity
If automated testing is implemented, then maintenance time and risks are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing controller is designed to perform multiple functions including normal door operation control and automated interlock testing. By making the controller universal and capable of executing both operational and diagnostic functions, the system achieves automated testing without adding separate dedicated testing hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system merges the interlock mechanism, door operator, displacement sensor, and controller into an integrated automated testing unit. These components work together as a unified system where the same hardware performs both normal operation and self-testing functions, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate independent testing equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for testing an elevator car door interlock and deterrent mechanism in an elevator system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: ensuring that no passengers are in the elevator car and closing the elevator car door; operating the elevator car to move it away from the selected landing; commanding the elevator car door to open for a predetermined duration and measuring the displacement of the elevator car door from a closed position; and closing the elevator car door and operating the elevator car to return to a landing.