Elevator Encoder Diagnostic System Using Segmented Microcontrollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator encoder diagnostic systems with dual encoders and a single microcontroller cannot detect abnormalities in the microcontroller itself, leading to increased costs, reduced design freedom, and occupied input/output ports.
Innovation Solution
A dual-system approach with a first and second encoder, each connected to a separate diagnostic unit, where the diagnostic units process pulse signals from one encoder each, generating rotation detection signals and comparing them to detect abnormalities, allowing for redundant detection and freeing up ports for other signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single microcontroller is used to receive pulse signals from both encoders in a dual-system, then cost is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but the ability to detect abnormalities in the microcontroller itself is lost and input/output ports are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic function is segmented into two separate diagnostic units, each handling one encoder. This segmentation allows each microcontroller to focus on processing signals from a single encoder, freeing up ports and reducing the complexity of each individual unit while maintaining dual-system redundancy for reliable abnormality detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Rotation detection signals serve as intermediaries between the encoders and the diagnostic comparison mechanism. Each diagnostic unit generates rotation detection signals from its encoder, and these signals are exchanged between diagnostic units to enable cross-validation without requiring a single microcontroller to process all signals directly.
2Device complexity
If one microcontroller processes input from both encoders, then device complexity is reduced, but input and output ports are occupied and cannot be used for other signals
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the diagnostic functionality into two separate diagnostic units, each microcontroller only needs to handle signals from one encoder. This segmentation frees up input and output ports in each microcontroller for other purposes while maintaining the dual-system architecture for comprehensive monitoring.
3Quantity of substance
If encoders are provided in a dual-system with a single microcontroller, then cost is reduced, but the degree of design freedom is decreased due to functional restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system is divided into two independent diagnostic units, each with its own microcontroller handling a single encoder. This segmentation provides design freedom by allowing each unit to be optimized independently while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of simpler, less powerful microcontrollers in each unit.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an elevator encoder diagnostic system and an elevator encoder diagnostic method by which input and output ports are kept from being occupied, functional restriction is suppressed, and abnormalities and malfunctions occurring in encoders provided in a dual-system can be detected. The elevator encoder diagnostic system according to the present invention includes a first encoder 16a and a second encoder 16b that are provided on a rotary portion of the elevator, a first diagnostic unit 21a connected to the first encoder, and a second diagnostic unit 21b connected to the second encoder, a first determination unit 23a and a second determination unit 23b that detect differences between encoder rotation amounts of the respective encoder systems and rotation detection signals of the other encoder systems, and, if a difference therebetween exceeds a predetermined threshold, determines that an abnormality has occurred.