Elevator Car Travel Curve Analysis via Acceleration and Optical Distance Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the functionality of elevators are either complex, expensive, or unable to accurately determine essential parameters for proper operation, making them unsuitable for independent testing by companies.
Innovation Solution
A method combining an acceleration measuring device and an optical distance measuring device to record car or counterweight movements over time, allowing for the production of precise travel curves and determination of essential parameters, using conventional devices like laser distance measuring devices and acceleration sensors, with data processing via a computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an integral monitoring device with force measuring signal transmitter is used, then the drive capacity can be determined, but the production becomes complex and is not suitable for independent testing companies
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented into separate, independent measurement devices (acceleration sensor and optical distance sensor) that can be independently installed and operated by external testing companies, rather than requiring an integrated complex system built into the elevator
Solution Approach 2:
External measurement devices are introduced as intermediaries to capture the necessary data. The acceleration sensor and optical distance sensor act as intermediaries that collect data from the elevator system, eliminating the need for complex integrated force measuring signal transmitters
2Measurement precision
If only braking acceleration sensors are used, then the propulsive capacity can be determined, but an exact travel curve of the car cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The solution merges multiple measurement approaches by combining acceleration sensors with optical distance sensors. This combination allows both the propulsive capacity to be determined (from acceleration data) and an exact travel curve to be created (from optical distance data), resolving the information loss problem
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed with multi-functionality: the acceleration sensor provides data for propulsive capacity determination while the optical distance sensor provides data for travel curve generation. Together they serve multiple measurement purposes simultaneously
3Reliability
If conventional testing methods are used, then the elevator functionality can be checked, but the testing process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator system performs self-diagnosis through automated data collection from the acceleration and optical distance sensors. The system automatically generates travel curves and identifies deviations without requiring extensive manual testing procedures, thereby reducing testing time and costs while maintaining reliability
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 quick, simple, and inexpensive detection and localization of faults in elevator operation, determining disturbances and deviations in movement sequences, facilitating a rapid and cost-effective diagnosis of elevator performance.
Implementation Method 1
providing an optical distance measuring device for measuring a distance of the car or the counterweight from a fixed one Point as a function of time
Implementation Method 2
providing an acceleration measuring device on a car of the elevator that can be moved in a z-direction, the acceleration measuring device being able to measure an acceleration of the car in the z-direction as a function of time
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for testing the proper working order of an elevator, having the following steps: providing an acceleration measuring device (5) on an elevator car (3) that can be moved in a z direction, an acceleration of the car (3) in the z direction being measurable dependent on time using the acceleration measuring device (5); providing an optical distance measuring device (7) for measuring a distance of the car (3) or of the counterweight (4) relative to a fixed point dependent on time; simultaneously detecting first values that are measured using the acceleration measuring device (5) and second values that are measured using the distance measuring device (7); and producing a travel curve (Ak, Bk) that reproduces the movement of the car (3) using the first and the second values.