Elevator Sound Pickup for Counterweight Vibration Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator systems face challenges in reliably monitoring counterweight components due to distance-related sound level degradation and high assembly and material costs when using microphones, as well as the difficulty in powering sensors on the counterweight.
Innovation Solution
A sound pickup system is coupled to the elevator installation to record structure-borne noise from the counterweight, positioned easily and cost-effectively at the shaft, eliminating the need for complex power supply to the counterweight, and an evaluation circuit analyzes the noise to detect functional changes in bearings and guide elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microphones are arranged on the elevator car to monitor counterweight components, then the monitoring can be implemented, but the sound level decreases due to the great distance (up to one shaft height) making reliable continuous monitoring not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the suspension and/or drive means) that physically connects the sound pickup to the counterweight. The sound pickup is coupled to this intermediary structure rather than placing it directly on the counterweight, allowing vibration transmission through the mechanical connection while enabling easy energy supply at the shaft location.
2Reliability
If microphones are arranged along the shaft to continuously monitor the counterweight, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but a relatively large number of microphones must be provided increasing assembly and material costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from multiple distributed sensors and concentrates it into a single sound pickup. By coupling the sound pickup to the suspension and/or drive means that is already present in the system, the vibration information from the entire counterweight assembly can be obtained through this single point, eliminating the need for multiple microphones along the shaft.
3Measurement precision
If a microphone is arranged on the counterweight to monitor components, then the monitoring distance is minimized, but the question arises as to how the microphone on the counterweight is to be supplied with energy
Solution Approach 1:
The sound pickup is coupled to the suspension and/or drive means, which serves as an intermediary structure between the counterweight and the shaft. This intermediary is already supplied with energy for its operational function, so the sound pickup can be powered through this existing energy infrastructure without requiring a separate power supply system on the counterweight.
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 reliable and cost-effective monitoring of counterweight components, reducing the risk of malfunction and costly repairs by detecting vibrations indicative of wear or failure, triggering maintenance alerts and potentially shutting down the system for safety.
Implementation Method 1
a sound pickup (8) coupled to an elevator installation (10) and designed to record structure-borne noise which is generated at the counterweight (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator system (10) having a car (1), a counterweight (2) balancing out the car (1), and a support and/or drive means (3) on which the car (1) and the counterweight (2) are suspended. The elevator system is characterized in that a sound receiver (8) is coupled to the elevator system (10) and is designed to capture solid-borne sound generated at the counterweight (2).