Elevator Pit Water Detection Using Reflected Electromagnetic Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting water in elevator shaft pits are often manual and unrelated to regular inspections, leading to potential delays in addressing water accumulation, which can be a concern over time.
Innovation Solution
A water detection system utilizing an electromagnetic wave source and detector, such as a light source and camera, mounted on the elevator car, compares reflected electromagnetic waves to determine water presence and triggers notifications or alarms if water is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used to detect water in elevator shaft pits, then the system complexity is low, but the detection reliability and timeliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical detection system. An electromagnetic wave source (light source) and electromagnetic wave detector (camera) are mounted on the elevator car to automatically detect water in the pit by analyzing reflected light patterns, eliminating the need for manual technician inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is integrated into the elevator car itself, utilizing the car's existing movement and structure to perform self-detection of water conditions in the pit during normal operation. The elevator car becomes both the vehicle and the detection platform.
2Productivity
If manual inspections are used for water detection, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and response time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system operates continuously during elevator operation, with the camera capturing images of the pit at regular intervals or continuously as the car moves. This allows for ongoing monitoring of water accumulation without interrupting elevator service, significantly improving detection efficiency compared to periodic manual inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated optical detection system replaces manual inspection processes, enabling continuous or frequent detection cycles during normal elevator operation. The system processes images automatically to identify water presence, providing timely detection and response.
3Reliability
If automated detection equipment is installed in the elevator shaft, then the detection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic wave source and detector are integrated components that serve multiple functions: they detect water in the pit while being mounted on the moving elevator car. The system combines illumination, imaging, and detection capabilities in a unified platform that leverages the elevator car's existing infrastructure.
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
Automates the detection of water in elevator shaft pits, enabling timely intervention and reducing the reliance on manual inspections, thus ensuring the efficient management of water accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic wave source and an electromagnetic wave detector, wherein the electromagnetic wave detector is configured to detect a reflected electromagnetic wave of the electromagnetic wave reflected off of a bottom of the elevator shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of detecting water within a pit of an elevator shaft including: emitting an electromagnetic wave from an electromagnetic wave source towards a bottom of an elevator shaft; detecting a reflected electromagnetic wave of the electromagnetic wave using an electromagnetic wave detector; and determining whether water is present within the pit of the elevator shaft in response to the reflected electromagnetic wave.