Orthogonal Sensor Enclosure for Elevator Pit Personnel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems lack an efficient and cost-effective method to detect the presence of personnel, such as service technicians or mechanics, within critical areas like the elevator shaft and pit, requiring frequent installation and maintenance, with high false positive and negative outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A safety net system utilizing orthogonally aligned sensors, such as LiDAR or RADAR, within a single enclosure, sharing power, PCB, and cabling, with adjustable FOV alignment, generates point cloud data analyzed by a processor to accurately detect personnel presence, reducing false positives and negatives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed separately in critical areas, then detection coverage is improved, but installation complexity and maintenance frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (LiDAR, camera, microwave sensor) into a single integrated sensor enclosure assembly. This merging approach maintains comprehensive detection coverage while reducing the number of separate installation points and simplifying maintenance operations, as the sensors work together as one unified system rather than multiple independent units
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor enclosure assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: LiDAR for spatial mapping, camera for visual identification, and microwave sensor for personnel detection. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive personnel detection in critical areas without requiring separate specialized devices for each sensing modality
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are installed to reduce false positives, then detection reliability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system processes sensor data sequentially through a decision tree algorithm, where each sensor's output feeds into the next stage of analysis. The LiDAR data establishes spatial context, the camera provides visual verification, and the microwave sensor confirms personnel presence. This feedback loop allows the system to cross-validate detections and eliminate false positives without requiring all sensors to operate simultaneously at full capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The decision tree algorithm activates sensors and processing steps only when needed based on initial detection conditions. Not all sensors operate at full capacity continuously - the system applies partial action by engaging additional sensors only when preliminary data suggests potential personnel presence, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability
3Ease of operation
If orthogonally aligned sensors are used in a single enclosure, then installation ease is improved, but sensor alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor enclosure is pre-configured during manufacturing with orthogonally aligned mounting positions for each sensor type. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when the enclosure is installed in the field, the sensors are already positioned at precise right angles to each other, eliminating the need for complex on-site alignment procedures while maintaining the geometric precision required for effective operation
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 provides low-cost, easy installation, and minimal maintenance detection with high accuracy, reducing false alarms and enhancing safety in elevator shaft and pit access.
Implementation Method 1
each of the multiple sensors is a LiDAR sensor
Implementation Method 2
each of the multiple sensors is a millimeter wave RADAR sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor enclosure assembly is provided for a safety net system for an elevator system. The sensor enclosure assembly includes a single enclosure disposable in one of an elevator shaft, an elevator pit, an entrance area for the elevator pit and an elevator pit entrance area of the elevator system, multiple sensors mounted orthogonally with respect to one another in the single enclosure, each of the multiple sensors being configured to perform sensing and to generate data corresponding to sensing results and circuitry disposed in the single enclosure to support performance of the sensing by each of the multiple sensors.