Elevator Shaft Measuring Device Using Laser Distance Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring elevator shafts during construction are labor-intensive, prone to errors, and require a fully installed elevator system, lacking precision and automation.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with cable-like guide elements, a measuring platform, and a lifting apparatus, equipped with rollers and a distance measuring apparatus, allowing for precise and automated measurement of elevator shafts without the need for a fully installed elevator system, using contactless distance measurement technologies and a simple installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual measurement with plumb lines and tape measures is used, then the measurement can be performed without complex equipment, but the measurement process is very labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement (tape measures and plumb lines) with an automated mechanical system consisting of a moving platform, linear guides, and a laser distance measuring device. The platform is moved automatically along the elevator shaft using a winch or motorized drive, and the laser device automatically measures distances to the shaft walls, eliminating manual operations while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring system is designed to operate autonomously without requiring manual intervention during the measurement process. The platform moves itself along the guide rails using the integrated lifting apparatus, and the distance measuring apparatus automatically records measurements at predetermined intervals or positions, with data being stored and processed automatically.
2Extent of automation
If automated measurement devices are installed in the elevator shaft, then the measurement process is automated, but the installation becomes relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is divided into separate functional modules: a moving platform, linear guide elements (rails), a lifting apparatus, and a distance measuring apparatus. This segmentation allows each component to be installed and adjusted independently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining automated measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring platform serves multiple functions: it supports the distance measuring apparatus, provides a mounting surface for sensors, and acts as a reference plane for measurements. The linear guides serve both as structural support and as precision guidance rails for the platform's movement, reducing the number of separate components needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the elevator system is fully installed before measurement, then the elevator car can be used for measurement, but the measurement cannot be performed during construction phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables measurement to be performed during the construction phase by installing the guide rails and measuring apparatus before the elevator system is complete. This preliminary measurement action allows geometric specifications to be verified early in construction, preventing delays that would occur if measurement had to wait for full elevator system installation.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual measurement procedures are used, then simple equipment is required, but the measurements are prone to errors and require accurate manual work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement operations with an automated laser distance measuring system that uses optical principles to measure distances with high precision. The laser device emits laser beams to the shaft walls and calculates distances based on time-of-flight or phase-shift measurements, eliminating human error while maintaining equipment simplicity through the use of standard laser measuring technology.
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
Enables efficient, precise, and reliable measurement of elevator shafts with minimal effort, capable of detecting deviations within tight tolerance ranges, facilitating accurate geometry assessment and reducing the need for costly corrective measures.
Implementation Method 1
using contactless distance measurement technologies
Implementation Method 2
Each of the guide elements is fixedly attached to an upper holding point and a lower holding point in the elevator shaft and is tensioned between the upper holding point and the lower holding point
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device for measuring an elevator shaft has two cable-like, elongate guide elements that extend in parallel with one another, a measuring platform and a lifting apparatus. Each of the guide elements is fixedly attached to an upper holding point and a lower holding point in the elevator shaft and is tensioned between the upper holding point and the lower holding point. The measuring platform has guide apparatuses that laterally support the measuring platform on the guide elements and guide the measuring platform parallel to the guide elements during a displacement movement in a displacement direction. The measuring platform has a distance measuring apparatus to measure lateral distances to the lateral walls of the elevator shaft. The lifting apparatus moves the measuring platform in the displacement direction.