Elevator Load and Position Measurement via Passenger Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator modernization processes face difficulties in obtaining accurate and reliable car position and load information, particularly when using serial communication, as they often require additional cabling and complex steps involving conventional load sensors mounted between the car structures.
Innovation Solution
A position and load measurement system utilizing a passenger sensor, such as an optical or ultrasonic system, in conjunction with a load signal processing unit, and an acceleration sensor or magnetometer, which calculates car load and position data without the need for conventional load sensors, providing accurate data through reference runs and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional load sensors are mounted between car structures, then load data can be obtained, but additional cabling and complex installation steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical load sensors with a passenger sensor (optical, camera, or ultrasonic) that detects passengers non-contactly. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical sensor installation between car structures and associated cabling, while still providing accurate load data through passenger detection and counting algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a passenger sensor as an intermediary device mounted on the car door area that indirectly measures load by detecting passengers rather than directly weighing the car. This intermediary approach simplifies installation while maintaining measurement accuracy through signal processing units that calculate actual load from passenger detection data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If serial communication is used in existing elevators, then control modernization is enabled, but obtaining car position and load information becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service measurement where the elevator system uses its own existing communication infrastructure and newly added simple sensors to automatically gather position and load information. The sensor unit integrates with the existing control system, allowing the system to serve its own modernization needs without external intervention or complex additional wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sensor unit that can provide both position and load information through a single integrated system. This multi-functional device works with existing serial communication protocols while adding modern measurement capabilities, enabling one system to serve multiple measurement functions that previously required separate specialized components.
3Reliability
If additional cabling is installed to get signals from elevator car to machine room, then signal transmission is achieved, but renovation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical cabling with wireless communication technology to transmit sensor data from the elevator car to the machine room. This substitution maintains reliable signal transmission while eliminating the need for additional cable installation, thereby reducing renovation costs and installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional physical cable connection to a wireless electromagnetic field-based communication dimension. This dimensional change allows signal transmission through space without physical medium, avoiding the constraints and costs associated with cable routing and installation while maintaining transmission reliability.
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
Enables reliable and accurate retrieval of car position and load data independently of previous methods, reducing renovation costs by eliminating the need for additional cabling and providing precise information for modern control systems.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor and/or magnetometer is provided in the elevator car. Also a position signal processing unit is provided which calculates from the signals of the acceleration sensor and/or magnetometer the actual car position data
Implementation Method 2
an acceleration sensor and/or magnetometer is provided in the elevator car. Also a position signal processing unit is provided which calculates from the signals of the acceleration sensor and/or magnetometer the actual car position data
Implementation Method 3
a passenger sensor scanning the car door area. Such a passenger sensor may be e.g. an optical sensor, a camera or an ultrasonic detection system
Implementation Method 4
a passenger sensor scanning the car door area. Such a passenger sensor may be e.g. an optical sensor, a camera or an ultrasonic detection system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a position and load measurement system for an elevator which system is going to be installed in an elevator car to obtain car position data and car load data, which position and load measurement system comprises at least one sensor (40, 44, 52) mounted in the elevator car (14, 16, 18). The position and load measurement system comprises: - a passenger sensor (40) scanning the car interior and/ or the car door area (30); - a load signal processing unit (35) connected to the passenger sensor for generating car load data, - an acceleration sensor (44) and/ or magnetometer (52), - a position signal processing unit (37) connected to the acceleration sensor and/ or magnetometer for generating car position data, and - a data link (46) for transmitting the output signals of the load signal processing unit and the position signal processing unit to an elevator control unit. The invention provides improved car load and car position data, particularly in connection with an overlay modernisation of an existing elevator system.