Elevator Car Positioning via Inductive RFID Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the position of an elevator car in a hoistway are unreliable due to mechanical contacts being prone to failure from vibrations, impacts, and oxidation, and require searching for a reference point after power outages, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method using a measuring apparatus on the elevator car that forms an electromagnetic radio-frequency signal and a passive position identifier inductively connected to it, which sends a pulse pattern to determine the car's position, eliminating the need for mechanical contacts and allowing for reliable position determination even after power outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical contacts of magnetic switches are used for position determination, then the system can determine position through simple mechanical interaction, but the contacts are unreliable and prone to failure from vibration, impact, and oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system with an inductive coupling system using electromagnetic fields. The measuring apparatus generates an alternating magnetic field that inductively couples with the position identifier, eliminating all mechanical contacts. This substitution resolves the reliability issue while maintaining the simplicity of position determination through field-based interaction rather than physical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the measuring apparatus and the position identifier. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the alternating magnetic field serves as the mediator to transfer energy and information, enabling contactless position determination that avoids the reliability problems of mechanical contacts.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic switches with mechanical contacts are used, then the system can determine position through direct contact, but the contacts oxidize easily and require maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contacts with an inductive coupling system that uses electromagnetic fields for position determination. This eliminates the oxidation problem entirely since there are no mechanical contacts exposed to the environment. The system maintains direct position detection capability through the alternating magnetic field that penetrates non-magnetic materials without oxidation.
3Loss of information
If the elevator car loses position information, then the system must search for a reference point to re-establish position, but this searching process consumes time and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously maintaining position information through the inductive coupling system. The measuring apparatus constantly generates the alternating magnetic field that keeps the position identifier activated and synchronized, so position information is never lost. This eliminates the need for time-consuming reference point searches after power outages or interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the inductive coupling and position information continuously through the alternating magnetic field. The system remains active and synchronized without interruption, preventing information loss and eliminating the need for periodic re-searching of reference points, thus saving time and improving efficiency.
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 solution provides a more reliable and efficient position determination for elevator cars, ensuring accurate positioning without the need for searching and improving reliability through checksums and the ability to monitor conditions using multiple RFID units.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring apparatus fitted in connection with the elevator car, which measuring apparatus is arranged to form an electromagnetic radio-frequency measuring signal
Implementation Method 2
a position identifier fitted in a selected location in relation to the elevator hoistway, which position identifier is arranged to connect inductively to the aforementioned electromagnetic measuring signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for determining the position of an elevator car (1) in the elevator hoistway (2). The arrangement comprises a measuring apparatus (3) fitted in connection with the elevator car (1). The measuring apparatus is arranged to form an electromagnetic radio-frequency measuring signal (5), for determining the position of the elevator car. The arrangement also comprises a position identifier (4) fitted in a selected location in relation to the elevator hoistway (2). The position identifier is arranged to connect inductively to the aforementioned electromagnetic measuring signal (5), and also after it has connected to send a determined pulse pattern using the aforementioned measuring signal (5).