Elevator Shaft Position Measurement Using Collimated Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the position of an installation platform in an elevator shaft are limited in accuracy and efficiency, particularly in determining the horizontal position and bending of the shaft, which affects the alignment and installation of guide rails.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement using a collimated light beam split by a beam splitter, with primary and secondary digital imaging devices positioned on the installation platform and above it, respectively, to capture and analyze the light beam's position and bending, enabling precise measurement of the installation platform's horizontal position and shaft alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laser alignment methods are used with alignment appliances on guide rails, then the alignment process can be performed, but the measurement precision and efficiency of platform position and shaft bending are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment appliances and laser transmitters with a digital imaging-based measurement system. Digital imaging devices capture images of the collimated light beam, and processing unit calculates position and bending from these images, eliminating complex mechanical alignment equipment while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital imaging devices to create optical copies (images) of the light beam position at different heights. These image copies are then processed to determine the platform position and shaft bending, providing a non-contact, high-precision measurement method that avoids mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple laser transmitters and alignment appliances are positioned throughout the shaft, then alignment can be performed, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple laser transmitters and alignment appliances into a single integrated measurement system. One collimated light source provides the reference, while digital imaging devices at different heights capture the beam position, and a processing unit computes all measurements, significantly reducing device complexity and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital imaging devices serve multiple functions: they capture the light beam position for platform height measurement, detect beam displacement for horizontal position measurement, and measure bending by comparing positions at different heights. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment appliances for each measurement type.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then guide rail alignment can be performed, but the accuracy in determining horizontal position and shaft bending is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment measurement methods with optical-digital hybrid measurement. The collimated light beam provides a stable optical reference, while digital imaging devices and image processing enable precise calculation of horizontal position and bending, achieving superior measurement precision for guide rail alignment.
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 solution provides accurate and efficient measurement of the installation platform's position and shaft bending, enhancing the alignment and installation process of guide rails, thereby improving the overall precision and reliability of elevator shaft installations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source producing a vertically upwards directed collimated light beam
Implementation Method 2
at least one beam splitter dividing the light beam into two portions, a first portion of the light beam passing directly vertically upwards through the at least one beam splitter to the at least one secondary digital imaging device and a second portion of the light beam being turned 90 degrees towards the at least one primary digital imaging device
Implementation Method 3
the at least one primary digital imaging device being arranged to take electronic images of the second portion of the light beam hitting the photosensitive sensor of the at least one primary digital imaging device or of a pattern created by the light beam on a reflective or transparent screen positioned at a distance in front of the photosensitive sensor of the at least one primary digital imaging device
Data Source
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AI summary
The arrangement comprises an installation platform (500) movable upwards and downwards in the elevator shaft (20), at least one light source (810) arranged at a predetermined position in the elevator shaft (20) below the installation platform (500) and producing a vertically upwards directed collimated light beam (LB1), at least one primary digital imaging device (650) positioned on the installation platform (500) and being arranged to take electronic images of the light beam (LB1) hitting the photosensitive sensor of the at least one primary digital imaging device (650) or of a pattern created by the light beam (LB1) on a reflective or transparent screen positioned at a distance in front of the photosensitive sensor of the at least one primary digital imaging device (650), whereby the horizontal position of the installation platform (500) in relation to the elevator shaft (20) can be measured from the electronic images taken by the at least one primary digital imaging device (650).