Elevator Positioning via Optical Tape Interruption Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems lack an effective method to precisely position elevator cars at landings, which affects passenger safety and convenience, as current solutions are inadequate for ensuring accurate alignment with floor surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An elevator positioning system utilizing optical tape and optical tape clips, in conjunction with sensors, to detect interruptions in the optical tape and transmit signals to a controller, allowing for precise control of the elevator car's speed and position to align it with the landing floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional elevator positioning methods are used, then the system is simple, but the positioning precision is insufficient to ensure accurate alignment with floor surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical tape as an intermediary element that provides a reference measurement scale between the elevator car and the floor. The optical tape with its calibrated markings serves as a mediator that allows the sensor to accurately determine the elevator car's position relative to the landing floor, achieving precise positioning without requiring complex direct measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning sensors with an optical sensing system. Instead of using mechanical encoders or position sensors, the system uses optical sensors to detect the position of the elevator car by reading markings on the optical tape, thereby achieving higher precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If no compensation mechanism is implemented, then the system remains simple, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates over time due to building compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary calibration where the optical tape is installed with known reference markings that account for the building's compression characteristics. The system performs initial positioning measurements to establish baseline data, allowing it to compensate for future compression effects without requiring real-time complex adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the optical sensor continuously monitors the elevator car's position relative to the optical tape markings. This position information is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the elevator car's stopping position to maintain accurate alignment with the floor, compensating for building compression over time.
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
The system ensures accurate alignment of the elevator car with the landing floor, enhancing passenger safety and convenience by providing precise positioning and compensating for building compression over time.
Implementation Method 1
sensors to detect interruptions in the optical tape and transmit signals to a controller
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator positioning system includes an optical tape, optical tape clips, and a sensor. The optical tape clips are resiliently biased and mount to various structures including mounting bracket that attach to elevator guide rails or other framework within the hoistway. A connecting member of the optical tape clips is configured to be disposed between a sensor and optical tape such that the sensor detects an interruption in the optical tape and can send signals to an elevator controller in response to detecting these interruptions. The position of the optical tape clips is such that the elevator car can be controlled to align evenly with the landings associated with the hoistway.