Elevator Roller Guides with Motion Sensors for Oscillation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems experience disruptive oscillations and vertical position changes due to stretching or contracting of load-bearing members, particularly in systems with large travel heights and few load-bearing members, leading to vibrations and bounce motions when passengers or cargo are loaded or unloaded.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a roller guide frame with a motion state sensing assembly, including rollers and an encoder, which measures the motion state of the elevator car within the shaft, allowing for accurate position, velocity, and acceleration data transmission to the elevator controller to minimize vibrations and oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If load bearing members are used to move the elevator car vertically, then the elevator car can be transported between landings, but stretching and contracting of these members creates disruptive oscillations and bounce motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) that continuously monitor the elevator car's vertical position, velocity, and acceleration. This feedback is processed by a controller that activates counter-phased actuators to generate opposing forces, actively compensating for oscillations and bounce motions caused by load bearing member elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by adjusting the stiffness and damping characteristics of the suspension system through active control. The controller modulates actuator forces in real-time to alter the effective mechanical properties of the load bearing members, reducing oscillatory behavior while maintaining vertical motion capability.
2Force
If soft hitch springs are used to connect the elevator car, then load changes can be absorbed, but oscillations and bounce motions are intensified
Solution Approach 1:
Motion sensors detect oscillations and bounce motions caused by soft hitch springs absorbing load changes. The controller processes this feedback and activates counter-phased actuators to generate opposing forces, actively stabilizing the elevator car's vertical position while allowing the springs to continue absorbing load variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system combines soft hitch springs with active electromagnetic or electrohydraulic actuators, creating a composite system that leverages the load-absorbing capability of springs and the active control capability of actuators to achieve both force absorption and oscillation suppression.
3Measurement precision
If motion state sensing assembly is integrated into roller guides, then accurate motion state information can be obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates motion state sensing assemblies (accelerometers, gyroscopes) directly into the roller guide structure, combining the guiding function and motion measurement function into a single integrated component. This reduces the need for separate sensing systems and simplifies overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller guides are designed to perform multiple functions: providing mechanical guidance, supporting the elevator car, and simultaneously housing motion state sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system while improving measurement accuracy through direct integration.
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 provides accurate motion state information, enabling enhanced control and minimizing vibrations and oscillations, thus improving the stability and operation of elevator systems during load changes and dynamic compensation.
Implementation Method 1
the encoder configured to measure rotation of the connecting element to determine a motion state of the elevator car
Implementation Method 2
a first roller having a first roller wheel configured to engage with and rotate along a guide rail and prevent movement of the elevator car in a first direction
Data Source
AI summary
Elevator car guiding devices including a roller guide frame including a mounting base to be mounted to an elevator car, a first roller supported on the mounting base, the first roller having a first roller wheel configured to engage with and rotate along a guide rail and prevent movement of the elevator car in a first direction, a second roller supported on the mounting base, the at least one second roller having a second roller wheel configured to engage with and rotate along the guide rail and prevent movement of the elevator car in a second direction, and a motion state sensing assembly mounted to the roller guide frame and configured to measure a motion state of the elevator car within an elevator shaft of the elevator system.