Elevator Position Tape Strain Sensing for Critical Length Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor apparatuses fail to effectively detect critical changes in the length of a position measuring tape in elevators, which can be caused by factors such as temperature changes, aging, or fractures, leading to potential operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus with a carrier, carriage, tape holder, guide device, tensioning device, detection device, and adjusting device, which includes activation and sensor elements to detect critical displacements in the position measuring tape, ensuring precise detection and adjustment of the tape's length, and triggering signals for emergency actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing sensor apparatuses are used to detect position measuring tape changes, then the structure is simple, but they fail to effectively detect critical changes in tape length caused by temperature changes, aging, or fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus is divided into functionally independent modules: a carriage that moves with tape displacement, a detection device with activation elements and sensors, a tensioning device with spring elements, and an adjusting device. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability despite increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as the carriage that mediates between the tape and detection mechanism, tensioning elements that mediate force transmission, and activation elements that mediate the conversion of tape displacement into detectable signals. These intermediaries enhance detection reliability by creating dedicated interfaces for each functional transition.
2Reliability
If the position measuring tape length changes due to temperature or aging, then the tape must accommodate environmental variations, but existing sensors cannot distinguish critical fractures from normal expansion/contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple parameters for detection including displacement distance, tension force, and activation element position. By monitoring changes in these parameters and comparing them against threshold values, the system can distinguish between normal environmental variations (within thresholds) and critical fractures (exceeding thresholds), thereby improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device provides continuous feedback about the tape's state through sensors that monitor the position of activation elements and carriage displacement. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust and recognize critical changes by comparing current readings against established parameters, enabling reliable distinction between normal and critical conditions.
3Length of moving object
If the carriage is freely movable on the carrier to detect tape displacement, then the detection range is increased, but the carriage position becomes unstable without proper tensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device creates a dynamic equilibrium where the spring element continuously adjusts the carriage position in response to tape tension changes. This dynamic system allows the carriage to move freely within the detection range while maintaining stability through the restoring force of the tensioning element, balancing both requirements simultaneously.
4Measurement precision
If the position measuring tape is tensioned to improve detection accuracy, then the tape remains taut for better reading, but the tension may cause additional stress and potential fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device allows adjustment of the tension parameter within an optimal range. By carefully controlling the tension force through the spring element and engagement elements, the system achieves sufficient tautness for accurate position measurement while staying below the threshold that would cause stress-induced fractures, thus optimizing both precision and tape strength.
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 reliable detection of critical length changes in the position measuring tape, allowing for timely intervention to prevent operational failures, such as emergency stopping of the elevator, by ensuring precise detection and adjustment of the tape's length.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning element (63) which is secured to the engagement elements in order to move the carriage counter to the direction of the positioning tape to be secured and in order to be able to tension a secured positioning tape
Implementation Method 2
with at least one activation element for identifying the position of a critical displacement and with a sensor for detecting the activation element in the event of a critical displacement
Data Source
AI summary
Sensor apparatus for an elevator with a hanging position measuring tape for detecting a critical change in length of the position measuring tape comprising a carrier, comprising a carriage on the carrier, comprising a tape holder on the carriage, comprising a tensioning device between the carrier and the carriage in order to be able to tension a secured positioning tape, comprising a detection device for detecting a critical displacement of the carriage on the carrier on the basis of a critical change in length of a position measuring tape to be mounted, and comprising an adjusting device.