Elevator Safety Apparatus Using Optical Door State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator safety systems rely on electromechanical switches, which are prone to maintenance issues and faults, particularly when dealing with high voltages, and do not efficiently communicate operational states or faults to the monitoring system, leading to increased maintenance complexity and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A safety apparatus with a first safety circuit and additional sensors that can switch between states, using a transmission device to communicate data and monitoring signals to a monitoring unit, allowing for continuous monitoring and simplifying maintenance by decoupling sensors from the main circuit, enabling contactless operation and fault detection without interrupting the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical switches are used to determine door locking state, then the safety function is achieved, but maintenance complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical switches with optical sensors that detect door locking state without mechanical contact. The sensor system uses light transmission through a locking element to determine door state, eliminating mechanical wear and contact issues while maintaining safety functionality. This substitution directly improves reliability and reduces maintenance complexity.
2Device complexity
If sensors are integrated into the main circuit, then compact design is achieved, but electrical contact hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light transmission path) between the door locking mechanism and the sensor system. The optical sensor detects the locking state through light transmission without requiring electrical contact with high voltage circuits. This intermediary approach maintains system integration while eliminating electrical contact hazards.
3Reliability
If conventional electromechanical switches interrupt the drive circuit, then safety function is achieved, but operational continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromechanical switch that physically interrupts the drive circuit with an optical sensor system that provides safety monitoring without circuit interruption. The sensor detects door state optically and communicates this information without breaking the electrical continuity of the drive circuit, thereby maintaining operational continuity while ensuring safety.
4Reliability
If separate inspection of safety device is required, then fault detection is thorough, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the optical sensor continuously monitors door locking state and provides real-time information to the control system. This continuous feedback eliminates the need for separate inspection procedures, as the system continuously self-monitors, thereby reducing maintenance time while maintaining thorough fault detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Safety apparatus for elevator apparatuses which can move a cab via a drive, wherein the drive can be monitored via a monitoring unit for monitoring the drive, including: a first safety circuit, which has a closed conduction state and an open conduction state, with an interruption apparatus for interrupting the drive depending on the conduction state of the first safety circuit, a safety device, which includes at least two sensors, which can be switched between at least two switching states depending on a state to be detected by the sensors. To provide improved maintenance, a switching unit is provided, which can be switched between at least two switching states by connection to the safety device and is designed to effect the closed and/or open conduction state of the first safety circuit, wherein the switching unit includes a transmission device for transmitting data and/or monitoring signals to the monitoring unit.