Elevator Guide Rail Straightness Measuring System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for achieving exact vertical alignment of elevator guide rails rely heavily on human skill and experience, which can lead to inconsistencies and increased wear on components, affecting ride comfort and maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system that uses a plumb line as a reference for a sensor arrangement moving along the guide rail, mounted on a temporary installation platform, to automatically detect deviations and provide data for real-time correction during installation or maintenance, allowing for precise alignment and monitoring of guide rail straightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual comparison with plumb lines or lasers is used, then the alignment process is simple and equipment cost is low, but measurement precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate due to dependence on installer skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual mechanical comparison methods with an electronic sensor-based measurement system. Sensors mounted on the guide rail carriage automatically measure deviations from vertical alignment using electrical/electronic detection rather than human visual assessment, thereby improving precision while accepting increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces plumb lines or lasers as intermediary reference elements that define the vertical alignment standard. The sensor arrangement measures the guide rail position relative to these intermediaries, enabling precise automated measurement without direct human visual judgment.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual visual alignment is used, then installation process is quick and equipment is simple, but manufacturing precision and alignment consistency worsen due to variable human skill levels
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement mounted on the guide rail carriage performs self-measurement of its own position relative to plumb lines or lasers during normal elevator operation. This automated self-monitoring eliminates the need for separate manual alignment checks, improving precision without significant time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system operates continuously during guide rail carriage movement, collecting alignment data throughout the entire travel path rather than requiring discrete manual measurement stops. This continuous measurement approach maintains high precision while minimizing interruption to installation or operation.
3Measurement precision
If automated sensor measurement system is implemented, then measurement precision and alignment accuracy improve, but device complexity and initial installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement is integrated into the guide rail carriage structure, serving both the measurement function and the existing mechanical guidance function. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by reusing existing structural elements rather than adding completely separate measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the measurement function with the existing guide rail carriage structure. Sensors are mounted on the carriage that already exists for guide rail interaction, merging measurement capabilities with mechanical guidance components to reduce overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If visual alignment by installers is used, then installation process is simple, but reliability and consistency of alignment deteriorate due to human error and skill variation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement provides real-time feedback on guide rail alignment by continuously measuring position relative to vertical references. This automated feedback eliminates human judgment variability, improving reliability and consistency of alignment while the system remains relatively easy to install and operate.
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 accurate, easy, and automatic measurement of guide rail straightness, facilitating immediate corrections and reducing maintenance costs by ensuring precise alignment, thereby enhancing ride comfort and extending component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
at least one plumb line which is used by a sensor arrangement moving vertically along the guide rail as a reference for an exact straight orientation of the guide rail in the runway
Implementation Method 2
The frame carries the sensors which measure the distance of the frame in both horizontal directions with respect to the plumb line
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator guide rail straightness measuring system, for measuring the straightness of elevator guide rails, which measuring system comprises at least one plumb line (20, 22) mounted vertically in the runway adjacent to the guide rail and at least one sensor arrangement (28, 30) to be mounted on a carrier to travel vertically along the guide rail, which sensor arrangement comprises a frame, at least one guide shoe (46) connected to the frame for sliding/rolling along a guide surface (41, 43, 44) of the guide rail, a bias means (50) for placing and biasing the frame against the guide surface, and at least one sensor means (32, 34) for sensing the position of the plumb line with respect to the frame, Such elevator system allows easy and exact measurement of the guide rail straightness. The invention also relates to an elevator having such a system.