Robotic Hoistway Inspection Platform for Precise Elevator Shaft Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual mapping and inspection of elevator shafts for elevator system installation and maintenance are time-consuming and prone to inaccuracy, requiring significant manual effort and resources.
Innovation Solution
An elevator inspection system featuring a robotic platform with various sensors (video, acoustic, LIDAR, camera, etc.) and a controller that defines hoistway model data, including 3D models, to automate the inspection and installation processes, and provide precise data for component placement and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual mapping and inspection methods are used, then the process is simple to implement, but the time required is extensive and precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated robotic platform equipped with sensors (LIDAR, cameras, acoustic sensors). This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to physically navigate and measure the hoistway, thereby dramatically reducing inspection time while simultaneously improving measurement precision through automated data collection and processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital 3D model (copy) of the physical hoistway environment. Sensors capture geometric and environmental data to generate an accurate virtual representation, which can be analyzed without requiring repeated physical inspections. This digital copy enables precise measurements and planning while reducing the time needed for on-site manual mapping.
2Productivity
If manual mapping and inspection methods are used, then the equipment complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic platform is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform various inspection tasks (geometric mapping, environmental sensing, obstacle detection) and installation planning functions. By consolidating multiple capabilities into a single automated platform, the system increases productivity across different stages of elevator installation while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate manual processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mapping and inspection actions before actual installation begins. The robotic platform collects and processes data to create a complete digital model of the hoistway in advance, allowing installation planners to identify potential issues, optimize component placement, and prepare installation sequences beforehand. This preliminary automated assessment significantly accelerates the subsequent installation process.
3Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used, then the operational simplicity is maintained, but the reliability of inspection data is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic inspection system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensor data is continuously collected, processed, and validated against expected parameters. The system can identify anomalies, re-inspect specific areas, and verify measurements through multiple sensing modalities (LIDAR, cameras, acoustic sensors). This feedback loop ensures high data reliability by detecting and correcting potential errors automatically, overcoming the limitations of manual inspection subjectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple sensing technologies (LIDAR for geometric data, cameras for visual documentation, acoustic sensors for environmental assessment) into a single integrated inspection platform. By combining these diverse sensing modalities, the system cross-validates data from different sources, thereby enhancing the reliability and comprehensiveness of inspection results while managing complexity through unified data processing.
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 significantly reduces manual effort and time required for installation and maintenance, enhances precision, and enables continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance, improving the efficiency and longevity of elevator systems.
Implementation Method 1
a LIDAR sensor
Implementation Method 2
a camera
Implementation Method 3
a time of flight sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an elevator inspection system, the system having: a robotic platform configured to inspect a hoistway; a platform propulsor operationally connected to the robotic platform; and a controller operationally connected to the platform propulsor, wherein the controller is configured to control the platform propulsor to propel the robotic platform vertically within the hoistway.