Elevator LiDAR Beam Guide for Fast Visible Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in efficiently detecting mechanics in the path of moving elevator components due to installation time concerns, particularly with sensor alignment.
Innovation Solution
A combined LiDAR and visible sensor system is employed, utilizing a dichroic mirror to align infrared and visible light beams coaxially or parallelly, allowing for accurate sensor placement and alignment without separate alignment devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LiDAR sensors are installed to detect mechanics in the path of moving elevator components, then safety detection capability is improved, but installation time increases due to sensor alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A visible alignment beam is introduced as an intermediary between the infrared LiDAR sensor and the installer. This visible beam serves as a guide to indicate the correct positioning and orientation of the sensor during installation, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures while ensuring proper sensor placement for safety detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visible light emission from the infrared sensor to create a visible alignment beam. This allows installers to see the beam path and adjust sensor position accordingly, transforming an invisible infrared alignment process into a visible one that can be easily monitored and adjusted during installation
2Manufacturing precision
If separate alignment devices are used to align LiDAR sensors, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function and the safety detection function are merged into a single device. The LiDAR sensor itself emits both the invisible infrared safety detection beam and a visible alignment beam, eliminating the need for separate alignment devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The LiDAR sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs safety detection using infrared light and simultaneously provides alignment guidance using visible light. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment devices and simplifies the installation process while maintaining precise alignment capability
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
Reduces the time spent on sensor alignment during maintenance and ensures precise alignment, enhancing safety by accurately detecting mechanics in the elevator path.
Implementation Method 1
a beam guide within the housing that engages the first and second beams so that the first and second beams are coaxial or parallel and exit the front of the housing
Implementation Method 2
the beam guide is a dichroic mirror disposed along the first path and at a first angle to the second path such that the first and second beams are coaxial or parallel and exit the front of the housing
Implementation Method 3
an infrared (IR) beam emitter within the housing that emits a first beam along a first path
Implementation Method 4
a visible light beam emitter within the housing that emits a second beam along a second path that is noncongruent with the first path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A sensor having: a housing extending from a front to a back, where the front has a transparent cover glass; an infrared (IR) beam emitter within the housing that emits a first beam along a first path; a visible light beam emitter within the housing that emits a second beam along a second path that is noncongruent with the first path; and a beam guide within the housing that engages the first and second beams so that the first and second beams are coaxial or parallel and exit the front of the housing.