Elevator Mass Ratio via Acceleration and Friction Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing elevator systems require complex measurements to determine the mass ratio of car mass to counterweight mass and load balance, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method that acquires acceleration during downward and upward travel to determine the mass ratio and load balance, using a compensation factor for frictional forces and considering the number of support cables, allowing for precise estimation without complex mass measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex measurements by means of weighing devices are used to determine car mass and counterweight mass, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and testing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical weighing devices with an acceleration-based measurement system. By measuring accelerations during upward and downward travel and applying Newton's second law, the system calculates mass ratios without physical contact or complex weighing equipment. The computer evaluates acceleration data from sensors to determine the mass ratio, substituting mechanical measurement with a field-based computational approach.
2Measurement precision
If complex measurements by means of weighing devices are used to determine car mass and counterweight mass, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical weighing operations with rapid acceleration measurements. The computer quickly processes acceleration data from sensors to calculate mass ratios, eliminating the need for slow, manual weighing procedures. This substitution dramatically reduces testing time while maintaining measurement precision through computational evaluation.
3Ease of operation
If acceleration measurement method is used to determine mass ratio, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a compensation factor k (>1) that accounts for frictional forces during acceleration. The computer evaluates the relationship between measured accelerations, the compensation factor, and the mass ratio formula to correct for energy losses. This feedback mechanism adjusts the raw acceleration data to compensate for friction, maintaining measurement precision while preserving the simplicity of the acceleration-based method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the compensation factor k as a corrective parameter that transforms raw acceleration measurements into accurate mass ratio determinations. By multiplying the acceleration ratio by this factor, the system adjusts for frictional effects and other losses, ensuring precise results while maintaining operational simplicity. The parameter change approach allows the simple acceleration method to achieve precision comparable to complex weighing systems.
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 significantly reduces testing effort and provides accurate determination of mass ratios and load balances, improving the efficiency of elevator system testing.
Implementation Method 1
a support cable (3) guided via the traction sheave (2), a car (4), and a counterweight (5) connected to the car (4) by means of the support cable (3)
Implementation Method 2
a compensation factor (k) for a frictional force arising during acceleration due to slipping of the support cable (3) on the traction sheave (2) is taken into consideration
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a method for operating an elevator system having a traction sheave drive, wherein the elevator system has at least one traction sheave, a support cable guided via the traction sheave, a car, and a counterweight connected to the car by means of the support cable. It is provided that at least one or respectively one acceleration ({umlaut over (x)}) of the car and/or the counterweight is acquired during downward travel and/or upward travel, and that a mass ratio (V) of car mass (P) to counterweight mass (G) and/or a load balance (L) of the elevator system (1) is determined as a function of the acceleration ({umlaut over (x)}).