Elevator Tension Member Defect Detection via Contact Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator tension member monitoring devices are expensive, require low-speed elevator operation for precise magnetic field sensing, and involve labor-intensive, dangerous manual inspection methods.
Innovation Solution
A tension member monitoring device with contact sensors and a defect determining system that uses acoustic oscillators and vibration plates to detect defects without physical contact, allowing for precise detection during normal operation and reducing labor and safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic field sensing is used to detect wire breakage, then defect detection capability is improved, but the device becomes expensive and requires low-speed operation to maintain precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field sensing system with a mechanical contact-based detection system. Contact sensors physically touch the tension member to detect defects through mechanical interaction, eliminating the need for complex magnetic field generation and sensing equipment. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing a simpler, less expensive solution that does not require low-speed operation constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces contact sensors as intermediary elements that directly interact with the tension member to detect defects. These sensors serve as a mediator between the inspection system and the tension member, providing straightforward mechanical detection without the complexity of magnetic field intermediaries. This approach reduces device cost and eliminates operational speed constraints while maintaining defect detection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual inspection with hand-held devices is used, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but labor intensity increases and safety risks arise from direct contact with moving ropes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated inspection system where the contact sensors autonomously detect defects in the tension member without requiring manual operation. The system self-performs the inspection function by continuously monitoring the tension member as it moves, eliminating the need for workers to manually contact moving ropes. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining inspection flexibility while dramatically reducing labor intensity and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated sensor-based system. Contact sensors mounted on the inspection device automatically detect defects through mechanical contact with the tension member, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle moving ropes. This substitution maintains the adaptability of mechanical detection while removing the safety hazards and labor intensity associated with manual operation.
3Measurement precision
If visual inspection and electromagnetic defect detection are used together, then detection accuracy is improved, but inspection time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the defect detection function into a single contact sensor system that performs both the roles of visual and electromagnetic detection through mechanical interaction. By combining these functions into one integrated system, the patent achieves comprehensive defect detection accuracy while reducing the total inspection time required, as the contact sensors continuously monitor the tension member during normal operation without requiring separate inspection passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous defect detection through contact sensors that monitor the tension member during normal elevator operation. This continuous monitoring eliminates the need for periodic separate inspection operations, maintaining high detection accuracy while significantly reducing the total time lost to inspections. The useful action of defect detection continues uninterrupted during regular elevator service.
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 accurate, efficient, and safe detection of tension member defects without the need for manual contact, reducing inspection time and costs while maintaining precision.
Implementation Method 1
the contact sensor, which is arranged next to a corresponding tension member without touching the tension member, is configured to output a contact signal when contacted
Implementation Method 2
uses acoustic oscillators and vibration plates to detect defects
Data Source
AI summary
A tension member monitoring device is provided with at least one contact sensor (21) and a defect determining device (20). The contact sensor (21), which is arranged next to a corresponding tension member (3) without touching the tension member (3), is configured to output a contact signal when contacted. The defect determining device (20), which receives the contact signal, is configured to determine whether there is a defect in the tension member (3), based on the contact signal.