Elevator Car Positioning With GMR Sensors for Precise Floor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in precisely determining the position and speed of elevator cars, particularly due to weight changes during passenger loading and unloading, which require costly and maintenance-intensive continuous detection systems and are sensitive to dirt/dust, and building settlement.
Innovation Solution
A system using magnetic field producers and giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors on the elevator car to detect nearby magnets in the hoistway, allowing precise positioning and speed control with reduced cost and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous detection means are installed from top to bottom of hoistway, then position detection precision is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous detection system is segmented into discrete detection points distributed along the hoistway. Instead of using continuous detection means throughout the entire hoistway, the patent employs multiple discrete position detection elements (such as magnets or reflective markers) placed at specific intervals, which the sensor detects sequentially to determine car position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field producers (magnets) or reflective markers as intermediary elements between the sensor and the car position. These intermediaries carry position information that the sensor can detect without requiring direct continuous monitoring of the car itself throughout the hoistway.
2Device complexity
If sensors with limited range are used, then system cost is reduced, but detection precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the effective detection range by utilizing the vertical dimension of the hoistway. Position detection elements are distributed vertically along the hoistway at different heights, allowing the sensor to detect multiple elements in sequence as the car moves, thereby achieving precise position determination with a sensor of limited range.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are placed close to car for precise detection, then position detection accuracy is improved, but sensitivity to dirt and dust increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic field producers or reflective markers as intermediaries that can be positioned at a distance from the sensor. These intermediaries carry the position information and can be placed in locations that are less susceptible to contamination, thereby reducing the sensor's exposure to dirt and dust while maintaining detection accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If conventional positioning systems are used, then position detection is achieved, but frequent readjustments are required due to building settlement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning system that can adapt to changes in the hoistway environment. The sensor system continuously monitors the position of multiple detection elements and can dynamically adjust its measurements to account for building settlement or shifts, eliminating the need for frequent manual readjustments.
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
Enables precise alignment of the elevator car with building floors, compensating for weight changes and environmental factors, while reducing installation and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor is disposed on an elevator car of the elevator to detect individual ones of the plurality of magnetic field producers when within a given detection range of the GMR sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator car positioning system includes a plurality of magnetic field producers, each of the plurality of magnetic field producers located in a position corresponding to an entry/exit point of an elevator. A giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor is disposed on an elevator car of the elevator to detect individual ones of the plurality of magnetic field producers when within a given detection range of the GMR sensor and generate detection signals indicative thereof. A controller is in communication with the GMR sensor and is configured to receive the detection signals from the GMR sensor, determine a position of the elevator car relative to the entry/exit point based on the received detection signals, and generate control signals to position the elevator car.