Elevator Rope Position Detector for Tension Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in detecting reduced rope tension without additional electrical components, particularly in areas where electrification is difficult, which can lead to uneven load distribution and potential component damage.
Innovation Solution
An elevator arrangement that includes a rope position detector to detect displacement of ropes over a limit position, triggering actions such as stopping the elevator or sending an alarm, without requiring additional components, using a contactless detector or sensing member that can sense ultrasonic or electromagnetic radiation, and is designed to work independently of the roping ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If force sensors are mounted in conjunction with the hitch device to detect rope tension, then rope tension detection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to additional electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical force sensor system with an optical detection system. A rope position detector uses optical elements (such as light sources and light receivers) to detect the position of the rope indirectly through its effect on light paths, eliminating the need for mechanical force sensors and their associated electrical components while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system between the rope and the detection mechanism. Instead of directly measuring force, the system uses light as an intermediary to detect rope position changes that result from tension variations, thereby avoiding direct mechanical contact and electrical components at the hitch device
2Reliability
If force sensors are installed at the hitch device, then rope tension monitoring is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates due to electrification difficulties in the area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical force sensors with an optical detection system that does not require electrification at the hitch device. The optical elements can be powered from remote locations, eliminating the need for electrical infrastructure in difficult-to-wire areas and significantly easing installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical components from the hitch device area and relocates them to positions where electrification is feasible. The optical detection system separates the sensing function (at the rope) from the processing function (at a remote location), allowing installation in areas previously unsuitable for electrical devices
3Reliability
If traditional rope tension detection methods are used, then detection capability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as the solution is limited to specific roping ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can monitor ropes with different tensions, lengths, and configurations using the same optical principle. The system adapts to various roping ratios by adjusting the position of the rope relative to the optical elements rather than requiring different detection mechanisms, making it versatile across different elevator configurations
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
Enables effective detection of reduced rope tension without additional electrical devices, ensuring even load distribution and preventing damage to elevator components, while maintaining reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a contactless detector or sensing member that can sense ultrasonic or electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
a contactless detector or sensing member that can sense ultrasonic or electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator arrangement, comprising at least one rope connected with an elevator car; a rope wheel arrangement comprising at least one rope wheel around which the rope passes turning around an axis, which extends in width direction of the rope; and a rope position detector arranged to detect displacement of the rope over at least one limit position and to trigger one or more predetermined actions in response to detecting displacement of the rope over a limit position. The rope is arranged to pass around a rope wheel turning around an axis, which extends in width direction of the rope, and the rope position detector is arranged to detect displacement of the rope over a limit position in thickness direction of the rope at a detection point, and to trigger one or more predetermined actions in response to detecting displacement of the rope in its thickness direction over the limit position, said limit position being on the opposite side of the rope than said rope wheel.