Elevator Positioning via Resilient Optical Tape Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in accurately positioning elevator cars at landings, leading to potential safety hazards and inefficiencies in passenger entry and exit, as current methods lack precise alignment and adaptability to building compression and uneven floor levels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an elevator positioning system using resilient arms to attach optical tape clips or reflector target assemblies to hoistway headers, which are detectable by sensors to ensure precise alignment with landings, accounting for building compression and floor level adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used, then the system is simple, but positioning precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into distinct functional components: detectable members (optical tape or reflector targets) mounted on positioning members (clips with resilient arms), which are separately mounted on hoistway headers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements between the sensor and the hoistway structure: positioning members with resilient arms serve as mediators that securely mount detectable members to hoistway headers. This intermediary structure enables precise positioning while accommodating building movements without requiring complex integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid mounting methods are used, then installation is simple, but adaptability to building compression and floor level changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning members incorporate resilient (flexible) arms that can dynamically adjust to building compression and floor level changes. These arms provide controlled flexibility allowing the system to adapt to structural movements while maintaining secure mounting, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows parameter changes in the mounting configuration through the resilient arms, which can deflect and reposition to accommodate variations in hoistway header positions caused by building settlement or compression. This passive adaptation changes the physical state of the mounting without requiring active control.
3Reliability
If precise alignment is implemented, then safety and positioning accuracy improve, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arms on the positioning members provide self-aligning and self-adjusting capabilities during installation. The flexible mounting system automatically compensates for minor misalignments and position variations, reducing the skill level and complexity required for installation while maintaining precise alignment for safety.
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 solution enables precise alignment of elevator cars with landings, enhancing safety and efficiency by compensating for building compression and uneven floor levels, ensuring smooth passenger entry and exit while maintaining system functionality over time.
Implementation Method 1
one or more resilient arms that are configured to grasp the select one of the portion of the hoistway and the elevator guide rail. With the resilient nature of the arms the positioning member is attachable to a mounting feature
Data Source
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AI summary
An elevator positioning system includes an optical tape, optical tape clips, and a sensor. The optical tape clips are mountable to various structures within the hoistway. A crossbar of the optical tape clips is located between a sensor and optical tape such that the sensor detects an interruption in the optical tape and signals the detection to an elevator controller. The elevator car can then be controlled to align evenly with the landings associated with the hoistway. Another elevator positioning system includes a sensor and a reflector clip assembly. The reflector clip assemblies are mountable to various structures within the hoistway. A reflector target of the reflector clip assemblies faces the sensor such that the sensor detects the reflector target and signals the detection to an elevator controller. The elevator car can then be controlled to align evenly with the landings associated with the hoistway.