Elevator Tension Member Damage Detection via Digital Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting damage in elevator system support means, such as belts or ropes, are prone to failures due to reliance on analog signal processing, which can be unreliable and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A digital signal processing method is introduced, where an analog electrical signal is converted into a digital signal using a pulse generator and A/D converter, allowing for the detection of damage by comparing binary numbers transmitted through the tension members, with a processor generating a fault message if deviations occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If analog electrical signal processing is used to detect damage in support means, then the detection method is simple to implement, but the reliability of detection is poor and prone to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog electrical signal processing system with a digital signal processing system. Specifically, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is introduced to convert the analog electrical signal from the support means into a digital signal, which is then processed by a microcontroller or processor. This substitution of analog processing with digital processing significantly improves detection reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized digital components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter domain of the detection signal from analog continuous voltage/current to digital discrete values. By converting the analog electrical signal parameters into digital binary representations, the system achieves higher reliability in signal processing, noise immunity, and fault detection, while the complexity is controlled through efficient digital signal processing algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If digital signal processing is implemented to improve detection reliability, then false readings are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional conversion components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) as a bridge between the analog support means and the digital processing unit. This conversion component, while adding to device complexity, enables precise digital measurement and processing of the electrical signal, thereby significantly improving measurement precision for damage detection. The added complexity is justified by the substantial gain in detection accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ADC serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the analog electrical signal from the support means and the digital processing capabilities of the microcontroller. This intermediary conversion enables the system to leverage the precision of digital measurement while maintaining compatibility with the analog nature of the support means signal, thus improving measurement precision without requiring complete system redesign.
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 method provides a reliable and simple means to detect damage in elevator system support means, reducing the risk of false readings and enabling early detection of issues in the tension members.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical analog signal can be converted into an electrical digital signal comprising a certain time discretization (scanning) or period duration, respectively, by means of an analog-digital converter, a so-called A/D converter.
Implementation Method 2
The tension member consists of an electrically conductive material, such as, e.g., steel or another metal. At least one electrical digital input signal is thereby generated by means of a pulse generator. The digital input signal can represent at least one first binary number.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a correspondingly configured device detect damage or defects in a support, including at least one tension member, for an elevator system. A pulse generator generates at least one electrical digital input signal that represents at least one first binary number and is fed to the tension member. After the digital input signal has passed through the tension member, it is detected as a digital output signal that likewise represents at least one second binary number. The second binary number is then compared, in particular compared digit by digit or bit by bit, with a setpoint binary number and/or directly with the first binary number. Damage in the tension member is determined on the basis of an issued comparison result. If the second binary number deviates from the setpoint binary number and/or from the first binary number, a fault message is generated.