Elevator Positioning via Statistical Height Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precise determination of the position of a conveyance apparatus within conveyance systems, such as elevator systems, is challenging and costly due to the complexity of the systems and external factors like weather changes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sensing apparatus that detects pairs of corresponding data including elevator car height and landing, which are then transmitted to a remote device for processing. The remote device determines correct pairs based on reoccurrences above a selected threshold, thereby accurately determining the elevator car's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional precise position determination methods are used in elevator systems, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position determination systems with a statistical analysis method using readily available sensor data. Instead of installing specialized precision measurement equipment, the system uses existing sensors to collect height and landing data, then applies statistical analysis to determine position accurately, substituting mechanical complexity with computational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a statistical model (copy) of elevator car positions based on collected data pairs. Rather than directly measuring position with complex equipment, the system builds a reference model of expected position distributions and compares actual sensor readings against this model to determine current position, achieving precision through data representation rather than direct measurement
2Measurement precision
If traditional precise position determination methods are used in elevator systems, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive sensors and uses their data in a disposable statistical analysis approach. Rather than investing in expensive, durable precision measurement equipment, the system uses readily available, low-cost sensors and processes their data through statistical methods, achieving comparable precision at fraction of the cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive mechanical position determination systems with computational statistical analysis. By replacing physical precision measurement infrastructure with software-based statistical processing of ordinary sensor data, the system eliminates costly hardware while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If statistical analysis with multiple data pairs is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data collection and statistical model building during periods when the elevator is operating normally. By pre-collecting multiple data pairs and establishing position distributions in advance, the system reduces real-time processing requirements, as the actual position determination only requires comparing current readings against the pre-established statistical model
Solution Approach 2:
The patent collects more data pairs than the minimum single measurement would provide, using excessive data collection to build robust statistical models. This partial redundancy in data collection improves precision by accounting for variations and outliers, while the statistical aggregation process efficiently handles the increased data volume without proportionally increasing processing 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
This method enables accurate determination of the elevator car's location through statistical analysis and visual representation via heat maps, improving positional accuracy and reducing costs associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of a pressure sensor and an inertial measurement sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of monitoring motion of an elevator car within an elevator system is provided including: detecting, using a sensing apparatus, a plurality of pairs of corresponding data within a selected period of time, each pair of corresponding data including a detected elevator car height and a landing corresponding to the detected elevator car height; transmitting the plurality of pairs of corresponding data to a remote device for processing; determining, using the remote device, which of the landings of the plurality of pairs of corresponding data have a number of reoccurrences above a selected threshold; and determining, using the remote device, that pairs of corresponding data of the plurality of pairs of corresponding data are above the selected threshold, the pairs of corresponding data of the plurality of pairs of corresponding data include a landing with a number of reoccurrences above the selected threshold are correct pairs.