Elevator Guide Rail Alignment Using Collimated Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning elevator guide rails are time-consuming and require trained personnel, involving multiple manual steps and cumbersome devices, which can create bottlenecks in construction.
Innovation Solution
A method using a combination of a light source on a vertically moveable base and a removably attached target member to improve alignment accuracy, eliminating the need for offset calculations and protecting the light source from environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods with multiple steps are used, then alignment can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and requires trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an optical measurement system. A laser source emits a reference beam that is detected by a sensor on the guide rail, allowing automated measurement of deviations from vertical alignment. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with optical measurement and calculation significantly reduces alignment time while maintaining or improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary reference element between the measurement system and the guide rail. The laser provides a stable vertical reference that mediates the alignment process, allowing objective measurement and calculation of deviations without requiring trained personnel to perform subjective visual assessments.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated alignment devices are used, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but the devices are cumbersome to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system performs self-measurement and self-calculation. The sensor mounted on the guide rail automatically detects the laser beam position, and the system calculates deviations and provides correction instructions without requiring complex manual operations. The device serves itself by integrating the measurement, calculation, and guidance functions into a unified automated process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple manual alignment steps are performed, then comprehensive alignment can be achieved, but the process creates bottlenecks in construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous alignment measurement and correction throughout the guide rail installation process. The laser reference beam remains active, and the sensor continuously measures deviations as the guide rail is installed, allowing real-time correction without interrupting the construction workflow. This eliminates the discontinuous manual measurement and adjustment steps that create bottlenecks.
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
This approach simplifies and speeds up the alignment process, enhancing installation quality and reducing the risk of errors, while extending the lifespan of the light source.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning light source able to produce a beam of collimated light
Data Source
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AI summary
The current disclosure relates to a guide rail alignment method comprising attaching and aligning a first pair of elevator car guide rail sections (1) in an elevator shaft (2) and mounting a vertically moveable base (3) between the guide rail sections. After the first pair of elevator car guide rail sections has been aligned, a target member (4) comprising a target point (5) is removably attached to a guide rail section, and a positioning light source (6) able to produce a beam of collimated light is attached to the vertically moveable base, so that a beam of collimated light emitted in a predetermined direction by the positioning light source meets the target point of the target member. The position of the light source is then used to align a guide rail section of a second pair of guide rail sections (1'). The current disclosure further relates to an elevator guide rail alignment arrangement.