Elevator Positioning System Shaft Displacement Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator positioning systems face inaccuracies due to thermal expansion and compression of elevator shafts, leading to misalignment and signal interference from multipath reflections, which can result in failure to meet industry standards for level difference.
Innovation Solution
An elevator positioning system that includes a transceiver and positioning elements within the elevator shaft, using a controller to determine adjusted elevator car positions by calculating shaft displacement compensation distances based on initial and runtime distances between transceiver and positioning elements, and employing a reflector element with orifices to reduce interference signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermal expansion and compression of the elevator shaft is not compensated, then the positioning system is simpler, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to misalignment with external environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by determining initial distances between the transceiver and positioning elements when the shaft is in a reference state. These calibration data are stored and used to establish a baseline for subsequent compensation calculations, allowing the system to account for thermal expansion and compression without requiring complex real-time environmental sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the distances between the transceiver and positioning elements during operation, compares these measurements against the calibration data, and automatically calculates compensation values. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time positioning precision maintenance while keeping the system architecture relatively simple
2Reliability
If traditional reflector elements are used without orifices, then the device structure is simpler, but signal interference from multipath reflections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector element incorporates orifices (openings) in its structure, allowing it to function as a porous or perforated reflective surface. These orifices enable the reflector to passively filter out certain reflection paths while maintaining its primary reflective function, reducing multipath interference without requiring active signal processing or complex electronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural reflection properties of the environment by strategically positioning reflector elements with orifices to create desirable reflection paths while blocking harmful multipath reflections. The orifices allow the reflector to selectively manage signal paths, converting the potential harm of multipath interference into a benefit by guiding signals along predictable, measurable paths
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 accurately compensates for shaft expansion and compression, maintaining alignment with external environments and minimizing signal interference, thereby ensuring precise elevator positioning within industry-standard tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
a first signal emitted from the transceiver engages the first positioning element, the first positioning element being arranged relative to the transceiver such that a distance between the first positioning element and the transceiver varies as an elevator car moves along the vertical axis; wherein a second signal emitted from the transceiver engages the second positioning element
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to an elevator positioning system, comprising: a transceiver disposed within an elevator shaft; a first positioning element; a second positioning element; and a controller communicably coupled to the transceiver, wherein the controller is configured to: determine a first distance between the transceiver and the first positioning element; determine a calibration distance between the transceiver and the second positioning element based at least in part on a second reflection detected by the transceiver from the second positioning element at a first instance; based at least in part on the first distance and the calibration distance, calculate an adjusted elevator car position defined at least in part by a shaft displacement compensation distance; and cause an elevator car to move about a vertical axis of the elevator shaft to a vertical position within the elevator shaft that corresponds at least in part to the adjusted elevator car position.