Elevator Guide Rail Alignment with 2D Laser Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning elevator guide rails are time-consuming and prone to variations in quality, depending heavily on the technician's skill, leading to potential vibrations and noise due to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a 2D laser scanner supported on a carrier moving within the elevator shaft, which allows for precise alignment of guide rails by measuring their position relative to plumb lines, enabling faster and more consistent alignment with reduced human error, and can be used in both manual and robotic installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual alignment methods are used by technicians, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but alignment time increases and quality consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an automated optical measurement system. A 2D laser scanner mounted on a carrier automatically measures guide rail positions and generates alignment data, eliminating dependence on technician skill while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable carrier movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-aligned measurement by automatically positioning the carrier at multiple locations along the guide rail and autonomously collecting measurement data. The carrier moves independently to predetermined positions, and the laser scanner automatically scans each position without manual intervention, ensuring consistent measurement quality.
2Measurement precision
If traditional alignment procedures are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a 2D laser scanner as an intermediary measurement device between the guide rail and the alignment system. The laser scanner projects vertical laser lines and captures their positions on the guide rail surfaces, converting physical alignment into measurable optical data without requiring complex direct measurement apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional single-point mechanical measurement to two-dimensional optical scanning. The laser scanner captures positions across a two-dimensional surface of the guide rail simultaneously, providing comprehensive alignment data without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple measurement points are taken manually, then measurement thoroughness improves, but time consumption and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier enables continuous automated measurement by moving sequentially through multiple predetermined positions along the guide rail. At each position, the laser scanner continuously captures alignment data without interruption, ensuring thorough measurement coverage while eliminating the time losses associated with manual repositioning and setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated positioning of the carrier at multiple measurement locations before actual alignment adjustment begins. This pre-positioning ensures all necessary measurement points are captured systematically, preventing the need for repeated measurements and reducing overall alignment time while maintaining thoroughness.
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 method significantly speeds up the alignment process, minimizes variations in alignment quality, and ensures high accuracy, reducing vibrations and noise caused by misalignment, making it suitable for both new installations and adjustments in existing elevators.
Implementation Method 1
A 2D laser scanner may be supported fixedly or movably on the carrier when the mechanic moves between the support bracket locations in the elevator shaft. The 2D laser scanner measures positions of both the guide surfaces and the plumb line.
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement for aligning guide rails of an elevator, comprising a carrier (10) moving upwards and downwards in an elevator shaft (20) along guide rails (60), at least one plumb line (PL) being provided in the vicinity of each guide rail. A laser scanner (100) is attached fixedly or movably to the carrier or to the guide rail or to an apparatus, which is supported on walls of the elevator shaft and/or on the carrier. The horizontal position of the guide rail in relation to the plumb line is determined with the laser scanner.