Elevator Car Location Tracking Using Machine Room Vibrations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in determining the precise location of the elevator car within the hoistway efficiently and cost-effectively, especially for existing systems, as installing sensors that communicate with the elevator controller can be expensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a combination of a proximity sensor on a moving elevator component and a passive actuator at a fixed location within the hoistway, which collects and analyzes vibration data to determine the elevator car's position, allowing for synchronization and accurate location tracking, and can be easily installed in both new and existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors that communicate with the elevator controller are installed to determine car location, then location determination accuracy is improved, but installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electronic position sensors with a vibration-based detection system. A vibration source generates characteristic vibrations that propagate through the hoistway, and a vibration sensor detects these vibrations to determine car location. This substitution eliminates the need for complex sensor installations while maintaining location determination capability through acoustic/vibration signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration signals as an intermediary medium to convey location information. Instead of direct electrical communication between sensors and the controller, the system uses vibration waves that travel through the hoistway structure as a mediator. The vibration sensor detects these intermediary signals and the controller interprets them to determine car position, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Loss of information
If traditional sensors are installed in existing systems, then location data can be collected, but installation cost and disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration source can be an existing component of the elevator system (such as the motor or drive mechanism) that naturally generates vibrations during operation. The system leverages these existing vibrations rather than requiring additional dedicated sensors or actuators, allowing the system to serve itself and reducing installation requirements for existing elevators.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration sensor serves multiple functions: it detects car location, monitors system health, and can identify operational anomalies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors, simplifying installation while comprehensive data collection capabilities.
3Device complexity
If vibration-based location determination is implemented, then installation cost is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected by environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller analyzes vibration signals continuously and adjusts its interpretation based on learned patterns and environmental conditions. By monitoring vibration characteristics over time and comparing them against expected patterns, the system can compensate for environmental variations and maintain accurate location determination despite changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration and learning phases during which it establishes baseline vibration patterns for different locations and conditions. This preliminary action allows the system to account for environmental factors in advance, improving subsequent measurement accuracy without requiring complex real-time compensation mechanisms.
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 enables accurate and cost-effective determination of the elevator car's location, facilitating maintenance by associating sensor data with specific floors and reducing installation costs, making it suitable for both new and retrofitted systems.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor affixed to a location proximate to a machine for an elevator system... operate the sensor to collect vibration data associated with one or more components of the machine
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for determining elevator car locations are provided. Aspects includes operating, by a processor, a machine room sensor to collect vibration data associated with one or more components in a machine room of an elevator system, wherein the elevator system comprises an elevator car and a hoistway and analyzing the vibration data to determine a position of the elevator car in the hoistway.