Elevator Wireless Power and Communication via Inductive Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator systems face mechanical and electrical limitations with traveling electrical cables for power and communication, especially in high-rise elevators, and wireless communication solutions are challenging to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a wireless power transfer system using primary and secondary coils for power transmission and a communication system that utilizes these coils to exchange data signals, along with intelligent signal modulators and demodulators, to enable robust communication and position sensing within the elevator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traveling electrical cables are used for power and communication, then power transfer and communication are achieved, but mechanical and electrical limitations occur especially in high-rise elevators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the traveling cable component from the system and replaces it with a wireless power transfer system using electromagnetic induction. The primary coils are mounted on the hoistway and secondary coils on the elevator car, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and their associated mechanical wear and electrical contact issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical traveling cable system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer system. This substitution eliminates mechanical friction, contact wear, and electrical resistance issues associated with physical cable connections, particularly benefiting high-rise elevator applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate channels are used for power and communication, then both functions are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transfer and communication functions into a single integrated system. The same primary and secondary coils used for wireless power transfer also serve as the communication channel, allowing data to be modulated onto the power transfer electromagnetic field. This eliminates the need for separate communication hardware and reduces system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil system performs multiple functions: it serves as both the power transfer medium and the communication channel. By modulating communication data onto the electromagnetic field used for power transfer, the system achieves multi-functionality with a single component set, reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional wireless communication solutions are implemented, then communication is achieved, but implementation challenges and robustness issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines communication with the power transfer electromagnetic field, using the same primary and secondary coils for both functions. This integration leverages the existing robust power transfer infrastructure for communication, improving reliability by using a proven, high-power electromagnetic coupling mechanism rather than separate wireless communication hardware.
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient means of power transfer and communication, improving the safety and reliability of elevator operations by eliminating the need for separate power and communication channels, suitable for high-rise elevators.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transfer system configured to inductively transfer power to the elevator car, the wireless power transfer system including a secondary coil mounted to the elevator car and configured to be induced with electromotive forces by the plurality of primary coils
Implementation Method 2
a communication system configured to utilize the secondary coil and the plurality of primary coils to exchange a communication data signal
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes an elevator car disposed in and arranged to move along a hoistway. A linear propulsion system of the elevator system is constructed and arranged to propel the elevator car, and includes a plurality of primary coils engaged to and distributed along the hoistway generally defined by a stationary structure. A wireless power transfer system of the elevator system is configured to inductively transfer power to the elevator car. The wireless power transfer system includes a secondary coil mounted to the elevator car and is configured to be induced with electromotive forces by the primary coils and output power for use by the elevator car. A communication system of the elevator system is configured to utilize the secondary coil and the plurality of primary coils to exchange a communication data signal.