Elevator Safety Controller State Detection via Position Displacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in reliably distinguishing between the partially activated and fully activated states of the elevator safety device, which is crucial for safe operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a safety controller that uses a position sensor to determine the current position of the elevator car along the guide member. By calculating the distance between the detected position and a starting position stored at the time of actuation, the controller determines whether the elevator safety device has entered a fully activated state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional hardware is added to reliably distinguish between partially activated and fully activated states, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical state detection mechanisms with an electronic control system. The safety controller uses software algorithms to distinguish between partially activated and fully activated states by monitoring the actuation member's position and calculating displacement distances, eliminating the need for additional mechanical sensors or indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer between the physical actuation mechanism and the state detection function. The safety controller acts as an intermediary that processes position sensor data, calculates displacements, and determines state transitions, thereby achieving precise state differentiation without direct mechanical coupling.
2Device complexity
If the safety device uses a simple mechanism without additional hardware, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of state differentiation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The existing position sensor and control system serve dual purposes: they continue to monitor the actuation member's position for normal operation while simultaneously providing the data needed to distinguish between activated states. The safety controller uses the same hardware resources to achieve both positioning and state differentiation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for state detection from binary contact detection to displacement distance measurement. By calculating the distance traveled by the actuation member since activation and comparing it against predefined thresholds, the system achieves reliable state differentiation using existing sensors and computational logic.
3Reliability
If the system requires mechanical engagement to confirm full activation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical engagement verification with electronic position monitoring. Instead of requiring physical inspection of the engagement member's contact state, the system uses position sensors and computational algorithms to automatically determine when full activation has occurred, eliminating the need for mechanical inspection procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting whether an elevator safety device (20) of an elevator system (2) mounted to a moving object (6, 21), such as an elevator car (6) or a counterweight (21), has entered a fully activated state in which at least one engagement member (26a, 26b) of the elevator safety device (20) engages with a guide member (14).