Elevator Rope Sway Detection and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-rise buildings experiencing wind-induced sway pose challenges for elevator systems, causing rope sway that reduces ride comfort and can lead to damage, necessitating unnecessary service interruptions as the entire elevator group is stopped during building sway, without considering individual performance factors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit in the elevator shaft detects rope sway and produces control signals for the controller to manage elevator car movement, allowing for individual control of each elevator apparatus based on predetermined limits, using radar sensors to measure sway amplitude and intensity, enabling operation during building sway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire elevator group is stopped during building sway, then rope damage is prevented, but elevator service level is unnecessarily reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the elevator system into individually controllable apparatuses, each with its own sensor unit and control logic. Instead of stopping the entire elevator group when building sway is detected, each elevator can be independently monitored and controlled based on its specific sway conditions, allowing some elevators to operate while others are stopped if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local control by equipping each elevator apparatus with its own sensor unit that detects sway specific to that elevator's ropes. The control unit for each elevator evaluates local sway conditions and makes independent decisions about operation, rather than applying a uniform stop condition to all elevators in the group.
2Reliability
If elevator speed is lowered or stopped to prevent rope damage, then rope sway damage is prevented, but ride comfort is reduced and service time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by continuously monitoring rope sway through sensor units and adjusting elevator speed in real-time based on detected sway amplitude. The control unit can modulate speed dynamically rather than simply stopping, allowing the elevator to operate safely during moderate sway conditions while stopping only when necessary to prevent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where sensor units continuously measure rope sway and provide real-time data to control units. The control unit uses this feedback information to adjust elevator speed and operation, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing sway conditions and maintains both safety and comfort.
3Reliability
If the whole elevator group is stopped during building sway, then safety is ensured, but individual elevator performance is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system so that each elevator apparatus has its own sensor unit and control unit, enabling independent evaluation and control of each elevator's sway conditions. This allows the system to optimize individual elevator performance based on their specific operational conditions rather than treating all elevators uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from a uniform group-wide stop condition to individualized speed and operation parameters for each elevator. The control unit adjusts speed and operation parameters based on the specific sway conditions detected by each elevator's sensor unit, optimizing performance for each individual apparatus.
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 allows for safe operation of elevator apparatuses during building sway, reducing unnecessary service interruptions and maintaining service levels even in severe conditions by enabling individual control of each elevator, thus optimizing rope sway management.
Implementation Method 1
The radar sensor uses electromagnetic radiation to detect the location and distance of an object by monitoring the reflection from said object
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator apparatus, comprising: a shaft, an elevator car vertically movable in the shaft, one or more ropes connected with the car, and a controller for controlling movement of the car. In order to detect sway in one or more elevator ropes connected with the car, the apparatus comprises at least one sensor unit arranged in the elevator shaft to detect sway and to produce a control signal indicating to the controller the detected sway. The controller compares the detected sway to a predetermined limit and prevents movement of the elevator car when sway reaches the predetermined limit.