Elevator Torque Balance for Mass Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face inaccuracies and complexities in determining the delivery rate of goods, leading to incorrect mass measurement over time.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system with a revolving traction means, driven by a motor, equipped with a sensor system to detect torque on the drive shaft, allowing for precise measurement of mass conveyed by receiving units over time, with a control unit deriving information on masses moved per period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If torque measurement is used to determine delivery rate, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque measurement function from a complex multi-sensor system and implements it through a simple force measuring element placed under the support bearing of the deflection pulley. This isolates the measurement function to a single, straightforward component that directly measures the torque on the drive shaft, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a force measuring element as an intermediary component between the drive system and the measurement system. This intermediary element (force measuring element) directly captures the torque information by measuring the force on the support bearing, providing accurate delivery rate data without requiring complex direct measurement of torque on the drive shaft.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement devices are used to determine conveying capacity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement of net weight and speed into a single integrated measurement approach. By placing a force measuring element under the support bearing of the deflection pulley, the system simultaneously captures both weight and motion information through one measurement point, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The force measuring element serves multiple functions: it measures the net weight of the elevator, detects the torque on the drive shaft, and provides data for calculating both speed and conveying capacity. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized measurement devices, reducing complexity while improving precision.
3Ease of operation
If current consumption measurement is used to determine delivery rate, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical measurement approach (current consumption) with a direct mechanical measurement approach. By using a force measuring element to directly measure the mechanical torque on the drive shaft through the support bearing, the system achieves higher measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automatic sensor-based measurement.
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
Achieves accurate mass measurement with low error tolerance, ensuring reliable determination of conveyed quantities and operational safety through real-time torque monitoring and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (20) to detect a torque acting on a drive shaft (22) of the at least one drive (14)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An elevator (10) for conveying material is disclosed. The elevator (10) comprises at least one continuously guided traction element (12), at least one drive (14) by which the traction element (12) can be continuously moved, a plurality of receiving units (16) for material which are mechanically coupled to the continuously driven traction element (12) for moving material, and a control unit (S) which is connected to at least one sensor (20). The control unit (S) is designed to detect and/or recognize a torque acting on a drive shaft (22) of the at least one drive (14) over time and can derive information from the detected and/or recognized torque acting on the drive shaft (22) over time about the masses of material moved by means of the plurality of receiving units (16) over a specific time period.