Elevator Leveling Fault Detection via Signal Sequence Comparison

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems face increased fault occurrences due to signal loss and displacement of leveling baffles, leading to potential accidents, as traditional methods for determining elevator car positions are unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that acquire and analyze leveling signals and target floor signals to determine if the elevator is correctly positioned, by comparing normal and real-time signal sequences from the leveling sensor, identifying specific fault types such as non-stop, dislocation, and cyclical movement faults, and generating alarms for maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional methods using floor encoder and terminal inductor plate are used to determine elevator car positions, then the positioning system is simple in structure, but signal loss and displacement of leveling baffle occur leading to leveling faults

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling accuracyVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the change sequence of leveling sensor signals during elevator operation. The system compares real-time signal sequences with pre-stored normal sequences to detect deviations, enabling dynamic adjustment and correction of positioning errors. This feedback loop significantly improves leveling reliability by detecting and responding to signal losses or baffle displacements as they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing normal change sequences of leveling sensor signals for different operating conditions (different floors, directions, speeds). These reference sequences are established in advance and used for comparison during actual operation, enabling rapid fault detection without requiring complex real-time analysis. This preparation of reference data beforehand simplifies the real-time detection process while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If photoelectric induction type sensor with two induction nodes is used for leveling detection, then door alignment accuracy is improved, but signal loss occurs due to displacement of leveling baffle increasing accident rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor alignment accuracyVSAvoidsignal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static threshold-based detection to dynamic sequence-based detection. Instead of using fixed thresholds that may fail when baffles displace, the system dynamically analyzes the entire sequence of signal changes over time. This dynamic approach adapts to varying operating conditions and detects anomalies in the signal pattern, maintaining measurement precision while improving signal stability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by continuously monitoring the leveling sensor signals throughout the entire elevator operation cycle, rather than relying on discrete threshold checks. The system continuously compares real-time signal sequences with stored reference sequences, ensuring uninterrupted detection capability. This continuous monitoring prevents signal loss from causing accidents by maintaining constant oversight of the leveling status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If floor encoder calculation method is used to obtain movement distance and car positions, then the system structure is simple, but positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to incorrect leveling determination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the leveling sensor signal sequence - that mediates between the simple floor encoder system and the required positioning accuracy. Instead of relying solely on floor encoder calculations, the system uses the intermediate leveling sensor signals as a reference to verify and correct position determination. This intermediary provides an additional layer of verification that improves positioning accuracy without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies copying by creating a reference copy of normal leveling sensor signal sequences for different operating conditions. These copied reference sequences are stored and used for comparison with actual signals during operation. By having pre-copied reference patterns, the system can accurately determine positioning by matching actual signals against these copies, improving measurement precision while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 approach allows for early detection and prevention of elevator faults, reducing the likelihood of accidents by analyzing real-time signal changes and enabling timely maintenance, even in high-rise buildings where fault probabilities are higher.

Implementation Method 1

The leveling sensor 1 of the elevator generally includes a photoelectric induction type sensor and a magnetic induction type sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric induction: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The leveling sensor 1 of the elevator generally includes a photoelectric induction type sensor and a magnetic induction type sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20230081901A1Method and apparatus for determining leveling fault of elevator
Publication Date: 2023.03.16 SHENZHEN TECH UNIV
  • US20230081901A1 patent drawing
  • US20230081901A1 patent drawing
  • US20230081901A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus for determining a leveling fault of an elevator. The method includes: acquiring a leveling signal and a target floor signal of an elevator, and determining whether the elevator is at a target floor according to the target floor signal; when yes, calculating a normal change sequence of signals of a leveling sensor of the elevator from a starting floor to the target floor; acquiring a real-time change sequence of the signals of the leveling sensor from the starting floor to the target floor; comparing whether the normal change sequence is the same as the real-time change sequence; and when the normal change sequence is the same as the real-time change sequence, determining that the elevator is normally leveled, and when the normal change sequence is different from the real-time change sequence, determining that the elevator has a leveling fault.