Elevator Shaft Dimension Measurement Using 3D Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring elevator shaft dimensions are inefficient, as they often fail to accurately capture the unique specifications and imperfections of each shaft, such as non-vertical walls and varying door opening distances between floors, leading to installation challenges.

Innovation Solution

An integrated system using a 3D scanning apparatus mounted on a vertically aligned guide with telescopic bars and supports, allowing precise electronic recording of shaft dimensions and features, ensuring stability and accurate data collection across multiple floors without requiring displacement devices or manual entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional measurement methods (measuring tape and plump lines) are used, then the measurement process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the measurement precision is insufficient and cannot accurately capture shaft imperfections and variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft dimension measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement tools (measuring tape, plump lines) with a 3D scanning apparatus that uses optical or electromagnetic fields to capture shaft dimensions. This substitution enables precise electronic recording of shaft dimensions and imperfections while maintaining operational simplicity through automated data collection and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital 3D model (virtual copy) of the shaft by scanning its physical structure. This digital copy captures all dimensional information and imperfections without requiring physical contact or complex manual measurement procedures, thereby improving measurement precision while simplifying the overall process through computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If laser scanning or camera-based scanning is used to measure shaft dimensions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to required displacement devices and manual entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft dimension measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning apparatus is designed to autonomously navigate and measure the shaft without requiring manual intervention or complex displacement devices. The system self-positiones and self-operates to capture dimensional data, eliminating the need for workers to manually enter shafts or operate complex positioning mechanisms while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is divided into modular components that can be independently deployed at different locations along the shaft. This segmentation allows the system to measure various shaft sections without requiring a single complex displacement device to traverse the entire shaft, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining comprehensive and precise measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If temporary platforms are arranged to assist installers, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to the need to set up and dismantle platforms for each measurement point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement operation easeVSAvoidtime for platform setup and dismantling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning apparatus is pre-configured and calibrated before use, with all necessary measurement systems and positioning mechanisms prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly of temporary platforms or complex setup procedures, allowing the system to begin measuring immediately while maintaining ease of operation and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system enables efficient and precise measurement of elevator shafts, reducing installation effort by providing accurate (x, y, z) data points in 3D space, accounting for unique shaft specifications and ensuring consistent measurements across different floors.

Implementation Method 1

The dimensions and all required details from a shaft are recorded through a 3D scanning or scannerless measurement apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effect3D scanning:

Data Source

PatentEP4030136B1System for measuring the dimensions of an elevator shaft
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 KLEEMANN HELLAS SA
  • EP4030136B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4030136B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4030136B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This is an invention that refers to an integrated system for recording the dimensions of the shaft electronically. The dimensions and all required details from a shaft are recorded through a 3D scanning or scannerless measurement apparatus, such as CMM or Laser scanner or time of flight scannerless apparatus, which is placed on a guide that is able to slide through a vertical element. The vertical element is mounted in such way that cannot deviate from theoretical vertical axis and is attached on a frame. The above-mentioned frame is placed on the door opening on any floor.