Elevator Hoistway Failure Detection With Independent Mobile Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing failure detection devices for elevators require the car to run to measure horizontal distances, which is unsafe after an earthquake or when potential hoistway failures are suspected.
Innovation Solution
A mobile unit in the hoistway, equipped with distance measurement units and a control unit, independently measures horizontal distances to detect failures without moving the car, using a mobile unit that moves along the main or compensating ropes, and determines failures based on reference values stored in a storage unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the car is moved to a set position to measure horizontal distance by a distance sensor, then the horizontal distance can be measured accurately, but the car must run which is unsafe after an earthquake or when potential hoistway failures are suspected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the measurement system into two independent parts: a mobile unit that moves independently of the car to perform measurements, and the car that remains stationary. The mobile unit includes its own distance sensor and movement amount calculator, separating the measurement function from the elevating body to eliminate safety risks while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile unit acts as an intermediary between the car and the hoistway wall. Instead of the car directly approaching the wall for measurement, the mobile unit travels along the ropes to reach measurement positions, serving as a safe intermediary that performs the hazardous measurement task without compromising car safety
2Reliability
If a mobile unit is introduced to move independently of the car for measurement, then safety is improved by not moving the car, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it travels along the ropes to reach different measurement positions, carries the distance sensor for horizontal measurement, and includes its own control unit for calculating movement amounts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile unit is designed to be dynamically movable along the main rope and compensating rope, allowing it to adapt to different positions in the hoistway. This dynamic capability enables a single mobile unit to replace what would otherwise require multiple fixed measurement stations, simplifying the overall system structure
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 failure detection in the hoistway without causing the car to run, ensuring safety by identifying deformations and drop-outs in the hoistway walls and installed apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a distance measurement unit 12a, 12b mounted to the mobile unit 11 and configured to measure a horizontal distance
Implementation Method 2
The failure detection device is configured to measure, after moving the car to a set position, a horizontal distance to a hoistway wall or an apparatus installed in the hoistway by a distance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A failure detection device for an elevator is provided. The failure detection device includes: a mobile unit that is movable in a hoistway in an up-down direction independently of a car; a distance measurement unit that is mounted to the mobile unit and is configured to measure a horizontal distance; and a control unit including: a movement amount calculator; a car height position acquirer; a reference value storage; a measurement value acquirer; and a determiner. The failure detection device determines whether a failure has occurred in the hoistway based on the measurement value and the reference value stored in the reference value storage in association with the absolute position at which the measurement value has been measured.