Elevator Shaft Mounting Device with Sensor-Based Reference Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing components in elevator shafts lack flexibility in positioning the mounting device relative to reference elements, limiting the precision and efficiency of the installation operation.

Innovation Solution

A method and mounting device that utilize a flexible reference element oriented in the main extension direction of the elevator shaft, with a mechatronic installation component and sensor system to determine the relative position of the mounting device, allowing for precise and flexible positioning and automated installation operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If detection elements are fixed on the mounting device, then the device can identify wire positions for orientation, but the positioning flexibility relative to reference elements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire position detection accuracyVSAvoidpositioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of fixing detection elements on the mounting device as in prior art, the patent inverts the approach by arranging detection elements on a separate positioning device that can be moved independently. This allows the mounting device to maintain positioning flexibility while the detection elements provide precise wire position measurements from multiple locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separate functional components: a positioning device with detection elements that is distinct from the mounting device. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the positioning device for measurement accuracy and the mounting device for installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the mounting device must be arranged in a defined position relative to wires, then orientation accuracy is achieved, but operational flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide rail orientation precisionVSAvoidmounting device positioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection elements are arranged on a positioning device that can be dynamically moved to different positions along the elevator shaft rather than being fixed on the mounting device. This dynamic arrangement enables the system to adapt to different mounting scenarios while maintaining precise orientation measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A separate positioning device acts as an intermediary between the mounting device and the reference wires. This intermediary carries the detection elements and provides the capability to measure wire positions without constraining the mounting device's positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensor positions are used to determine relative position, then positioning precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelative position determination accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device with its detection elements serves multiple functions: it can be positioned at multiple locations along the shaft, each detection element can detect multiple wires, and the collected data is used to determine both the positioning device's location and the mounting device's relative position. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 high flexibility and precision in positioning the mounting device, facilitating efficient and automated installation of components such as rail clips, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving the accuracy of the installation process.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor arranged on the installation component being used for this purpose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11111109B2Method and mounting device for carrying out an installation operation in an elevator shaft

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 INVENTIO AG

AI summary

A method and a mounting device for carrying out an installation operation in an elevator shaft of an elevator system include introducing a first elongate reference element into the elevator shaft oriented in a main direction of extent of the elevator shaft. The mounting device is introduced into the elevator shaft, which mounting device has a carrier component and a mechatronic installation component held by the carrier component. The mounting device is displaced into a fixing position in the main direction of extent of the elevator shaft. The relative position of the carrier component of the mounting device is determined with respect to the first reference element in the fixing position with a sensor arranged on the installation component. The relative position of the first reference element is determined with respect to at least two different sensor positions and thus positions of the installation component.