Elevator Floor Position Detection Using Multiple Hall Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator floor position detection systems lack reliability and cost-effectiveness in accurately determining the position of an elevator car relative to the floor, often due to interference from stray fields and adjacent magnetic lines.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a floor position detection device with multiple Hall sensors and an evaluating unit that processes signals from these sensors to generate a reliable floor signal, utilizing an absolute position system and synchronizing unit for precise detection, and incorporating additional sensors to exclude erroneous interpretations and compensate for sensor sensitivity differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single Hall sensor is used for floor position detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and accuracy of position detection deteriorates due to interference from stray fields and adjacent magnetic lines
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is divided into multiple Hall sensors (at least two) arranged in a specific two-dimensional spaced disposition. Each sensor detects magnetic field characteristics independently, and the evaluating unit processes signals from multiple sensors to distinguish true floor position signals from stray field interference, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple Hall sensors are combined within a single sensor unit, and their signals are merged through the evaluating unit. The evaluating unit integrates information from multiple sensors to generate a reliable floor signal, compensating for individual sensor limitations and interference through collective signal processing
2Reliability
If multiple Hall sensors are used to improve detection accuracy, then the reliability of floor position detection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Hall sensors are arranged in a specific two-dimensional spaced disposition optimized for detecting floor position characteristics. The spacing is designed to be between 50% and 100% of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the magnetic field signal, creating optimal local detection zones that maximize signal discrimination while minimizing redundant sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluating unit processes analog signals from multiple Hall sensors by comparing their amplitudes and temporal characteristics. By analyzing the specific parameter patterns (signal amplitude, timing, spatial distribution) from multiple sensors, the system achieves reliable floor detection with a moderate number of sensors rather than requiring excessive sensor quantity
3Measurement precision
If additional Hall sensors are incorporated for redundant detection, then the accuracy and reliability are enhanced, but the cost of the detection device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution uses multiple relatively simple and inexpensive Hall sensors rather than a single complex high-precision sensor. The individual Hall sensors are standard off-the-shelf components with moderate precision, but their collective arrangement and signal processing achieve high overall detection accuracy at lower total cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensing system using Hall sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive mechanical encoders or precision mechanical reference systems, achieving accurate floor detection through electromagnetic sensing and electronic signal processing
4Area of stationary object
If the Hall sensors are spaced closer together, then the device size is reduced, but the ability to distinguish adjacent magnetic lines and exclude erroneous interpretations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The Hall sensors are arranged in a two-dimensional spaced disposition rather than a linear arrangement. This two-dimensional configuration allows the sensor unit to cover a compact area while maintaining sufficient spatial separation between sensors to distinguish adjacent magnetic field lines and reject erroneous signals from stray fields
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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of elevator floor position detection, reducing costs and preventing errors by using redundant sensor units and electronic circuits to process and synchronize signals effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor unit (18, 20) that comprises a first Hall sensor (42, 46) and that is provided for the purpose of sensing at least one floor position characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
A floor position detection device of an elevator system includes a first sensor unit having a first Hall sensor and which is provided to detect at least one floor position characteristic, and an evaluation unit which is provided to evaluate the floor position characteristic for generating a floor signal. The sensor unit includes a second Hall sensor and the evaluation unit evaluates at least two floor position characteristics for generating the floor signal.