Elevator Guide Rail Alignment Using Movable Laser Plumb Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning guide rails in elevator shafts are inefficient and do not effectively account for the bending of the shaft, leading to potential misalignment and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a movable installation platform with laser transmitters and position sensitive detectors to align guide rails, automatically directing laser beams to account for shaft bending, ensuring precise alignment of guide rails within the elevator shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional alignment methods using stationary laser transmitters and alignment appliances are used, then the alignment process can be completed, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to shaft bending not being accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The laser transmitter is made movable and adjustable, allowing it to dynamically adapt its position and orientation to account for shaft bending. The transmitter can be repositioned at different locations along the guide rail and angled to compensate for measured deviations, transforming a static alignment system into a dynamic one that adapts to actual shaft conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses position sensitive detectors to measure the actual position of the guide rail relative to the laser beam, providing feedback about shaft bending. This feedback information is then used to adjust the laser transmitter's position and orientation, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously compensates for shaft deformation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple alignment measurements are taken at different positions, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but the alignment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement and adjustment procedures with an automated optical measurement system using laser transmitters and position sensitive detectors. The system automatically measures guide rail position at multiple points and calculates alignment deviations, eliminating the need for manual intervention at each measurement point and significantly reducing total alignment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of shaft bending characteristics using the laser transmitter and position sensitive detectors before final guide rail alignment. By pre-characterizing the shaft deformation pattern, the system can predict and compensate for bending effects during alignment, reducing the number of iterative adjustments needed and accelerating the overall process.
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
The solution ensures accurate and efficient alignment of guide rails, considering shaft bending, thereby improving the operational reliability and safety of elevator systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least two laser transmitters being arranged at predetermined positions in the shaft below the installation platform, each of said at least two laser transmitters transmitting an upwards directed laser beam that forms a plumb line in the elevator shaft
Implementation Method 2
at least two first position sensitive detectors being attached to the installation platform and/or to the apparatus for aligning guide rails and/or to the guide rails, each of said at least two first position sensitive detectors receiving a respective laser beam
Data Source
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AI summary
The arrangement comprises an installation platform (500) arranged to be movable in the first direction (S1) upwards and downwards in an elevator shaft (20), said installation platform (500) being provided with an apparatus (400) for aligning guide rails (51, 52, 53, 54). At least two laser transmitters (610, 620, 630, 640) are arranged at predetermined positions in the shaft (20) below the installation platform (500), each of said at least two laser transmitters (610, 620, 630, 640) transmitting an upwards directed laser beam (PL1, PL2, PL3, PL4) that forms a plumb line in the elevator shaft (20). At least two first position sensitive detectors (710, 720, 730, 740) are attached to the installation platform (500) and/or to the apparatus (400) for aligning guide rails (51, 52, 53, 54) and/or to the guide rails (51, 52, 53, 54), each of said at least two first position sensitive detectors (710, 720, 730, 740) receiving a respective laser beam (PL1, PL2, PL3, PL4), whereby the position of the guide rails (51, 52, 53, 54) in relation to the shaft (20) can be determined indirectly or directly.