Elevator Safety Device with Movable Pillar and Integrated Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator safety systems face challenges in providing sufficient safety spaces within elevator shafts, especially in modernized or new buildings where space constraints limit the ability to extend shafts, and current solutions are complex and prone to reliability issues due to reliance on discrete components and contact problems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated elevator safety arrangement featuring a mechanical safety device and an electric safety system with detectors and a controller that reads data from various sensors, allowing for detection of a 'person in shaft' state and controlling elevator movement, using a data interface bus for communication and reducing wiring complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical safety devices are installed to provide sufficient safety space in the elevator shaft, then safety compliance is improved, but the available space for elevator operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device includes a movable support pillar that can be positioned in different locations along the elevator shaft. The pillar is movable between a retracted position (allowing maximum shaft space) and an extended position (providing safety buffer). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt between safety requirements and space utilization needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system is divided into separate functional components: the support pillar structure, the movable positioning mechanism, the detector system, and the control unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality, enabling compact integration that preserves shaft space.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If discrete components and switches are used for safety monitoring, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection functions are merged into a single integrated control unit (2). The control unit receives signals from various detectors (16, 17, 18, 19) and processes all safety-related information centrally. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate control circuits for each detector, significantly reducing wiring complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit (2) serves multiple functions: it monitors the position of the support pillar, detects the presence of persons in the shaft, controls the elevator motor, and manages the brake system. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by replacing multiple specialized components with a single universal control unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical safety devices are made adjustable to adapt to different shaft spaces, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses detectors (16, 17, 18, 19) to automatically detect the position of the support pillar and the state of safety buffers. This automatic detection eliminates the need for manual adjustment mechanisms and complex mechanical positioning systems. The control unit processes detector signals to determine appropriate safety configurations, allowing the system to adapt to different shaft spaces without increasing mechanical complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator safety arrangement and a method for implementing safety spaces in an elevator shaft. The safety arrangement of the invention comprises a mechanical safety device which can be set to a working position to ensure a sufficient safety space in the elevator shaft and an electric safety system for identifying the operating state of the mechanical safety device. According to the method of the invention, detectors comprised in the electric safety system are read by an electric safety controller and, when a functional deviation is detected, one or more stopping devices are actuated to bring the elevator system into a safe operating state.