Handrail Sensor Detects Missing Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor monitoring systems are inadequate for detecting and monitoring metallic or non-metallic conveying elements in endless conveyor devices, such as handrails, steps, and transport chains, as they are primarily designed for belt-type handrails and lack the capability to detect missing or damaged elements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact monitoring device that uses sensors, including antennas and capacitive principles, to detect individual conveying elements like handrail links, steps, or chain links, generating operating variables and alerting for errors by recognizing changes in radiation characteristics and dielectric constants, allowing for real-time monitoring and error detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transponders are integrated in the handrail for monitoring, then electromagnetic waves can be transmitted to measure physical parameters, but this approach is only suitable for belt-type handrails and cannot detect metallic or non-metallic conveying elements effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces transponder-based electromagnetic monitoring with a sensor system that detects physical presence and characteristics of conveying elements. The sensor system uses capacitive or inductive sensing to detect metallic and non-metallic elements, providing universal compatibility across different handrail types while improving detection precision for missing or damaged elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to detect both metallic and non-metallic conveying elements, making it universally applicable to different handrail types (belt-type, rigid, segmented). This multi-functional sensor replaces the specialized transponder system that was limited to specific handrail configurations.
2Volume of moving object
If a monitoring device is designed to detect conveying elements at a very short distance, then the device becomes compact and slim, but this requires highly sensitive sensors that can detect individual elements precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system creates an electrical image or signal representation of each conveying element as it passes by. By detecting changes in electrical characteristics (capacitive or inductive) at close proximity, the system generates precise detection signals that represent the physical state of each element, enabling accurate detection within a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects changes in electrical parameters (capacitance, inductance) that occur when conveying elements pass at close distance. These parameter changes provide precise detection information about each element's presence, position, and condition, enabling accurate measurement within a compact sensor design.
3Productivity
If the monitoring device detects each individual conveying element to generate operating variables, then speed and acceleration can be calculated, but missing or damaged elements must be detected to ensure safety
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously monitors each conveying element and provides feedback signals to the control system. By comparing the detected electrical characteristics against expected values, the system can identify missing or damaged elements and trigger appropriate safety responses, while simultaneously generating operating variables for performance monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs preliminary detection of conveying elements before they complete their full cycle. By detecting elements at close proximity and analyzing their electrical characteristics early in the process, the system can identify potential issues (missing or damaged elements) and take preventive action before safety risks develop.
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 precise detection of missing or damaged conveying elements, ensuring the conveyor's safety and efficiency by shutting down the system or alerting errors, while also counting elements and providing operating variables like speed and acceleration, thus enhancing the reliability and maintenance of endless conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
A compact monitoring device that uses sensors, including antennas and capacitive principles, to detect individual conveying elements like handrail links, steps, or chain links, generating operating variables and alerting for errors by recognizing changes in radiation characteristics and dielectric constants
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a hand rail (5) comprising hand rail members (5.1), which is moved past a sensor carrier (11.1) comprising at least one sensor (10). Each hand rail member (5.1) has a collar (5.11) which extends into the adjacent hand rail member (5.1). The hand rail members (5.1) articulated to a second conveyor chain (8) can move relative to the adjacent hand rail members (5.1) without a gap forming between two adjacent hand rail members (5.1). Merely a segment groove (5.12) develops between two adjacent hand rail members (5.1), the depth of said groove being so small that that fingers do not become jammed. The sensor (10) can detect each segment groove (5.12) and defective hand rail members (5.1). By means of the sensor signal, it is possible to determine operating variables such as speed, acceleration, deceleration of the hand rail (5) and/or detect dangerous operating states.