Elevator Tension Member Monitor Using Optoelectronic Profile Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual inspection of elevator tension members is time-consuming and costly due to the need for technicians to identify wear or damage by observing the entire length of steel rope tension members, which is inefficient and prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic detector system is used to monitor elevator tension members, comprising an emitter and detector that interrupt light to provide a profile output, processed to identify anomalies such as wear or damage, and report specific locations, reducing the need for extensive manual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection techniques are used to identify wear or damage of tension members, then technicians can detect anomalies by touching and observing, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated optoelectronic detection system. The system uses light sources and detectors to automatically scan tension members, capturing images and analyzing profiles to identify wear, damage, or dimensional changes. This substitution eliminates the need for technicians to manually touch and observe each tension member, dramatically reducing inspection time while maintaining or improving detection accuracy through automated image processing and anomaly analysis algorithms.
2Reliability
If technicians manually inspect the entire length of each tension member, then complete coverage is achieved, but maintenance costs increase due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated scanning of tension members using optoelectronic detectors that systematically scan the entire length of each tension member without interruption. The system continuously captures images and analyzes profiles as tension members pass through the inspection area, ensuring complete coverage of all tension members. This continuous automated process maintains inspection completeness while dramatically improving maintenance efficiency by eliminating the need for technicians to manually inspect each section, allowing parallel processing of multiple tension members simultaneously.
3Productivity
If automated optoelectronic detection is implemented, then inspection time is reduced and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the optoelectronic detectors and the final inspection results. Image processing units and anomaly analysis algorithms serve as intermediaries that automatically process the raw data from detectors, identify wear patterns and dimensional changes, and generate inspection reports. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by breaking down the inspection process into modular functional blocks (image capture, processing, analysis, reporting), making the system more manageable while maintaining high inspection speed and productivity.
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
The system efficiently detects anomalies and reports their locations, allowing technicians to focus on specific areas of concern, reducing maintenance time and costs by providing precise and automated assessment of tension member conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optoelectronic detector configured to be situated near the elevator tension member... an emitter that comprises at least one light source, and a detector spaced from the emitter in a manner that accommodates the elevator tension member between the emitter and the detector such that the elevator tension member interrupts the light
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator tension member monitor includes an optoelectronic detector configured to be situated near the elevator tension member. The optoelectronic detector provides an output corresponding to a profile of the elevator tension member. A processor receives the output from the optoelectronic detector and determines whether there are any anomalies in the profile of the elevator tension member. The processor reports any determined anomaly in the profile of the elevator tension member.