Elevator Hoistway Proximity Detection Using Smart Helmet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator mechanics are at risk of injury due to human error while performing tasks near moving elevator components, as existing safety protocols are not always followed, leading to accidents such as being struck by the elevator car or falling into the hoistway pit.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a smart helmet with a signal emitter and Bluetooth Low Energy communication to detect the proximity of a mechanic to the elevator car, sending feedback requests and stopping the elevator if the mechanic is within a predetermined distance, thereby preventing accidents by ensuring the mechanic's safety through authentication and real-time monitoring of their location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If safety protocols and administrative controls are implemented, then safety awareness is improved, but compliance is not guaranteed due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces administrative controls and human judgment with an automated electronic monitoring system that uses signal emitters, receivers, and controllers to detect mechanic proximity to elevator cars. This substitution eliminates reliance on human compliance with safety protocols by implementing automated safety enforcement through technological means.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring of safety conditions through automated detection of mechanic proximity. The electronic system independently monitors and enforces safety requirements without requiring human intervention or decision-making, allowing the safety mechanism to serve itself through automated operation.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of mechanic proximity is implemented, then safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into separate functional components: signal emitters mounted on the elevator car, signal receivers carried by the mechanic, and control systems that process the signals. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving comprehensive safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal emitter and receiver system serves multiple functions: it monitors proximity, triggers warnings, and can initiate emergency stops. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate safety systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated safety enforcement is implemented, then accident prevention is improved, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic signal transmission and reception to continuously monitor proximity conditions. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain safety enforcement while operating transparently in the background, minimizing impact on normal elevator operations and maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to mechanics through warnings when approaching unsafe zones, allowing them to adjust their position voluntarily. This feedback mechanism maintains operational flexibility by allowing safe operations to proceed uninterrupted while automatically enforcing safety boundaries, reducing accidents without completely restricting operational freedom.
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 system effectively prevents accidents by ensuring the mechanic's safety by authenticating their presence and monitoring their proximity to the elevator car, reducing the risk of injury during maintenance and service operations.
Implementation Method 1
the smart helmet is configured to communicate with the beacon utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting a presence of a person in a hoistway, having: one or more controllers configured to authenticate the person in the hoistway; the one or more controllers being operationally connected to an elevator car in the hoistway and configured to determine whether the person is within a predetermined distance of the elevator car from a signal emitter on the person; wherein when the person is within the predetermined distance of the elevator car, the one or more controllers is configured to transmit a feedback request to the person and stop the elevator car unless the one or more controllers receives feedback to the feedback request within a predetermined period of time.