Hydraulic Elevator Power Unit Flood Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic elevator systems face challenges in handling flooded pit conditions, as they lack the capability to prevent the elevator car from traveling into potentially flooded areas, which can lead to system contamination and operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A power unit with a water-tight tank and a snorkel assembly for air exchange, combined with a moisture sensor that detects moisture and signals the elevator controller to restrict the elevator car's movement, ensuring it avoids flooded areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the power unit is placed in the pit beneath the bottom landing, then the machine room can be omitted and building space is saved, but the power unit is exposed to flooded pit conditions which can cause system contamination and operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The power unit is segmented into a sealed tank component that houses the hydraulic system, isolating it from the flooded pit environment while maintaining operational functionality. The tank acts as a separate compartment that protects critical components from water exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
A moisture sensor acts as an intermediary between the pit environment and the power unit control system. The sensor detects moisture levels and provides feedback to the controller, which then restricts elevator car movement when flooding is detected, preventing water from entering the power unit.
2Productivity
If the elevator car is allowed to travel freely in the hoistway, then operational efficiency is maintained, but the elevator car may travel into flooded areas causing system contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture sensor provides continuous feedback to the elevator controller about pit conditions. When moisture is detected, the controller receives this feedback and automatically restricts the elevator car's movement, preventing it from traveling into flooded areas while maintaining normal operation when conditions are safe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of moisture conditions before the elevator car can travel into hazardous areas. By detecting moisture in advance and proactively restricting movement, the system prevents contamination before it can occur.
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 solution effectively prevents the elevator car from entering flooded sections, maintaining system integrity and preventing contamination by allowing the power unit to operate even in flooded conditions and ensuring safety by restricting elevator movement.
Implementation Method 1
a ventilation tube or snorkel that can allow air to exchange between an interior of the tank and an exterior of the tank
Implementation Method 2
a moisture sensor configured to detect the presence of moisture and signal to an elevator controller that moisture is present
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic elevator system includes a power unit and elevator controller where the elevator car is controlled within the hoistway when a portion of the hoistway might be flooded. The power unit includes a water tight tank having a ventilation tube or snorkel. A moisture sensor is connected with the elevator controller, and positioned within the pit of the hoistway. The moisture sensor detects the existence of a flooded pit condition and communicates such a condition to the elevator controller. The elevator controller initiates a safety sequence when the presence of a flooded pit condition is detected to prevent the elevator car from entering a flooded area of the hoistway.