Elevator Sensor Fusion for Floor Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyance systems, such as elevator systems, face challenges in accurately determining the position and direction of motion of conveyance apparatuses due to the limitations of existing sensing technologies that primarily rely on data communication without receiving data, necessitating a method to supplement detected data with location information.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a sensing apparatus that detects atmospheric air pressure and acceleration in multiple directions, using a combination of pressure sensors and inertial measurement units to determine the location and direction of motion within the conveyance system, while also considering local weather conditions to adjust pressure readings and confirm motion status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If atmospheric pressure sensors are used to determine conveyance apparatus position, then position information can be obtained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to weather condition variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidpressure reading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors atmospheric pressure and compares it with reference pressure values to detect changes. When pressure changes exceed a threshold (indicating weather conditions rather than position changes), the system adjusts or invalidates position calculations, providing feedback to maintain measurement accuracy despite environmental variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic parameter adjustment by modifying pressure readings based on detected weather conditions. When weather-related pressure changes are identified, the system adjusts the pressure parameter used for position calculation, transforming the raw pressure data into a corrected parameter that maintains position determination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If continuous atmospheric pressure detection is performed, then position monitoring is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsensor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs periodic pressure detection triggered by acceleration events. The sensor remains dormant during normal operation and activates only when motion is detected, converting continuous energy consumption into periodic, event-driven measurement cycles that maintain position monitoring capability while reducing overall energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses acceleration sensor data to automatically determine when position monitoring is needed, eliminating the need for continuous operation. The conveyance apparatus itself provides the trigger signal (acceleration detection) that activates the pressure sensor, making the system self-regulating and energy-efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are integrated to improve position determination, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition and motion detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines atmospheric pressure sensors and acceleration sensors into an integrated sensing system with a unified processing approach. By merging these sensors and their data processing functions into a single coordinated system, the patent reduces overall complexity compared to separate independent systems while maintaining the benefits of multi-sensor data fusion for improved position determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach effectively determines the location and direction of motion of conveyance apparatuses, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and conserving energy by only detecting atmospheric pressure when acceleration is detected, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of conveyance system monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

a sensing apparatus is provided that detects sensor data including, but not limited to, atmospheric pressure within the conveyance system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtmospheric pressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

detected sensor data includes, but is not limited to, acceleration of the conveyance apparatus in multiple directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3733580B1Sensor fusion of acceleration sensor and air pressure sensor information to estimate elevator floor level and position
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3733580B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3733580B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3733580B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method of monitoring a conveyance apparatus within a conveyance system (101) including: detecting a first atmospheric air pressure within the conveyance system (101) proximate the conveyance apparatus (103); detecting a second atmospheric air pressure within the conveyance system (101) proximate the conveyance apparatus (103); determining a change in atmospheric air pressure proximate the conveyance apparatus (103) in response to the first atmospheric air pressure and the second atmospheric air pressure within the conveyance system (101); and determining at least one of a location of the conveyance apparatus (103) and a direction of motion of the conveyance apparatus (103) within the conveyance system (101) in response to at least the first atmospheric air pressure and the second atmospheric air pressure.