Elevator Shaft Dimensional Measurement via Guide Rail Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft measurement systems, such as those using laser range finders on elevator cars, cannot measure shaft portions below the car, limiting the ability to obtain complete dimensional data for the entire shaft.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a measurement apparatus with a sensor capable of three-dimensional distance detection, attached to a guide rail in the elevator shaft, allowing for the acquisition of dimensional data from both above and below the elevator car, which is then integrated to provide comprehensive shaft dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a laser range finder is provided on an elevator car to measure shaft dimensions, then measurement can be performed during elevator operation, but shaft portions below the car cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide rail as an intermediary structure to support the measurement apparatus. The guide rail extends throughout the shaft and provides a mounting structure that allows the measurement apparatus to be positioned at various locations, including above and below the elevator car, thereby enabling complete shaft coverage while maintaining operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-position measurement approach (on the car) to a multi-position approach by utilizing the vertical dimension of the guide rail. The measurement apparatus can be moved to different heights along the guide rail, adding a spatial dimension to the measurement capability and enabling comprehensive shaft coverage
2Loss of information
If a measurement apparatus is attached to a guide rail to measure entire shaft, then complete dimensional data can be obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail serves multiple functions: it guides the elevator car movement and simultaneously provides a mounting structure for the measurement apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate supporting structures, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling complete shaft measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement apparatus utilizes the existing guide rail infrastructure of the elevator system rather than requiring a separate support structure. The guide rail, already present for elevator operation, is leveraged to support measurement functions, eliminating the need for additional complex support mechanisms
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 the accurate measurement and integration of dimensional data from the entire elevator shaft, facilitating precise interference determination and supporting efficient elevator reform and maintenance processes.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that detects, in a noncontact manner, a distance to a measurement object by use of a principle of a time of flight
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement apparatus (1) is attached to a guide rail (13) above a car (12). Next, a measurement by the measurement apparatus (1) is performed, and first dimensional data including dimensional data on an upper part of a shaft (8) is acquired. The measurement apparatus (1) is detached from the guide rail (13), and the car is moved upward and then stopped. The measurement apparatus (1) is attached to the guide rail (13) below the car (12) after the car (12) is stopped. A measurement by the measurement apparatus (1) is performed, and second dimensional data including dimensional data on a lower part of the shaft (8) is acquired. The acquired first dimensional data and the acquired second dimensional data are integrated, and dimensional data on the entire shaft (8) is created.