Elevator Door Lock Switch Diagnosis via Controller Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator door lock switches can become misaligned or worn over time, leading to malfunctions and requiring manual inspection by technicians, which is time-consuming, especially in high-rise buildings, causing the elevator car to be taken out of service until the malfunctioning switch is identified.
Innovation Solution
A controller is programmed to automatically diagnose and locate malfunctioning lock switches by moving the elevator car and door interlocks in a controlled manner, determining if the safety chain is closed, and storing the location of the malfunctioning switch for later repair, allowing for remote command initiation of the diagnosis process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection of each door lock switch is performed to identify malfunctions, then the malfunctioning switch can be located, but the process is time-consuming and requires technician presence at the site
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator system performs self-diagnosis of door lock switches automatically without requiring external technician intervention. The controller autonomously moves the elevator car to different landings, actuates door interlocks, and monitors switch states to identify malfunctions, enabling the system to service itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic actions by proactively moving the elevator car and actuating door interlocks before a technician arrives at the site. This preliminary inspection identifies malfunctioning switches in advance, preparing diagnostic information for later repair activities.
2Reliability
If the elevator car is taken out of service when a switch malfunction is detected, then safety is maintained, but service availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic process is segmented into discrete steps: moving to specific landings, actuating individual door interlocks, and monitoring corresponding switch states. This segmentation allows systematic identification of the specific malfunctioning switch without requiring complete system shutdown or broad service interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the state of door lock switches and receives feedback on whether the safety chain is closed or open. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of switch malfunctions and informs subsequent diagnostic actions, allowing for targeted repairs rather than blanket service interruptions.
3Measurement precision
If technicians manually inspect each door to identify malfunctioning switches, then accurate diagnosis is achieved, but the complexity of the inspection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical inspection process is replaced with an automated control system that electronically monitors switch states. The controller automatically moves the elevator car, actuates door interlocks through the door mover, and reads switch signals, substituting electronic automation for manual mechanical inspection and reducing process complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system (20) includes an elevator car (22) situated for movement among a plurality of landings (24). The elevator car (22) includes a car door (26) and a door mover (28). A door interlock (32) associated with a landing door (30) at each of the landings is configured to couple the associated landing door (30) with the car door (26). The door interlocks (32) respectively include a lock switch (36). A controller (60) is configured to: cause the elevator car (22) to move to at least one of the landings (24); when the elevator car (22) is at the at least one landing (24), cause the door mover (28) to instigate movement of the door interlock (32) sufficient to at least temporarily change a position of the lock switch (36); and locate a malfunctioning one of the lock switches (36) at one of the landings (24) based on the movement of the door interlock (32).