Elevator Level Warning System Using Laser Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevators often mislevel due to various factors such as stretching of suspension means, oil leaks, and temperature changes, leading to tripping hazards for users, and there is a need for a device to warn users of misleveling.
Innovation Solution
An elevator level warning system that uses a controller, sensor board, and reflector with a laser beam to detect misleveling by determining if the drop between the elevator floor and the landing is within a threshold distance, activating visual and audio indicators to alert users if misleveling is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the elevator car is allowed to move into an unlocking zone to enable door unlocking, then the door can be unlocked, but this creates a tripping hazard due to misleveling
Solution Approach 1:
The warning system performs preliminary detection of misleveling conditions before the door is unlocked. The sensor detects the position of the elevator car floor relative to the landing floor, and the warning indicator is activated in advance to alert users of potential tripping hazards before they exit the elevator
Solution Approach 2:
A warning indicator system serves as an intermediary between the misleveling condition and the user. Instead of directly preventing door unlocking (which would affect ease of operation), the warning system mediates by providing information to users, allowing them to make informed decisions about their safety
2Adaptability or versatility
If the unlocking zone distance is increased to 0.5 inches for ADA compliance, then accessibility is improved, but the tripping hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The warning system provides feedback to users about the actual level of misleveling. The sensor continuously monitors the elevator car floor position, and the warning indicator provides real-time feedback about whether the misleveling exceeds safe thresholds, enabling users to adjust their behavior accordingly
3Measurement precision
If re-leveling operation is performed to correct elevator car position, then leveling accuracy is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The warning system detects misleveling conditions during the normal door operation sequence, allowing re-leveling to be initiated as a preliminary action before the door fully opens or closes. This integration minimizes additional operation time while maintaining leveling accuracy
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
Effectively warns users of misleveling, reducing the risk of tripping hazards and improving safety by providing timely alerts when the elevator floor is not properly aligned with the building floor.
Implementation Method 1
a laser that is capable of producing a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a reflector capable of reflecting the laser beam to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator level warning system is provided, along with methods of use thereof. An elevator level warning system may include a controller, a laser, a sensor, and a reflector. The reflector may be a structured reflector. The elevator level warning system may also include a sensor board. The elevator level warning system may also include an indicator. The elevator level warning system may be used with an elevator system. The elevator level warning system may be used to detect that-and/or warn users that-a front cab-floor edge and a landing plane are misaligned and have a drop between them of greater than a threshold distance.