Lift Station Hazard Detection Using Weight-Sensing Lane Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hazard monitoring systems for outdoor lift stations, particularly those using optical detection systems, face inefficiencies due to environmental conditions like dust-like snow crystals, which can cause false alerts and unwanted warnings.
Innovation Solution
A hazard monitoring system that employs detection units with a detection grating, net, or plate, coupled with a weight sensor system and an evaluation system, to detect objects or people in the driving lane of the lift carriage without relying on optical sensors, thus maintaining efficiency under adverse environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical monitoring systems are used in the on-boarding and off-boarding area, then hazard detection capability is provided, but false alerts and unwanted warnings occur due to dust-like snow crystals causing undefined back-reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical monitoring systems with a mechanical detection system consisting of a detection grating, detection net, or detection plate combined with weight sensor systems. This mechanical approach detects hazards based on weight or force applied to the detection unit, eliminating susceptibility to optical interference from snow crystals, dust, or rain while maintaining reliable hazard detection capability in the driving lane
Solution Approach 2:
The detection grating/net/plate acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the hazard (object/person) and the weight sensor system. This intermediary converts the presence of hazards into measurable weight or force signals, providing a reliable detection mechanism that is independent of environmental optical conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If outdoor lift stations are exposed to environmental conditions like wind, rain or snow fall, then operational flexibility is maintained, but monitoring efficiency decreases due to continuous changes in driving lane conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical monitoring systems that are sensitive to environmental conditions with a mechanical weight sensor system. This mechanical approach detects hazards based on weight or force applied to the detection unit, eliminating susceptibility to optical interference from snow crystals, dust, or rain while maintaining reliable hazard detection capability in the driving lane
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical properties (light reflection) to mechanical properties (weight/force). This parameter change makes the monitoring system independent of environmental optical conditions such as snow fall, wind, or rain, ensuring consistent monitoring efficiency regardless of weather conditions
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 provides reliable and fault-free monitoring of the lift station's driving lane, independent of environmental conditions, by accurately detecting hazards and triggering appropriate warnings to ensure safe and uninterrupted lift operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one weight sensor system, on which the detection unit is mounted, and which is configured to provide a (weight-)load signal dependent on a weight or force being applied to the detection unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hazard monitoring system (25) to be mounted at a lift station (11) of an outdoor lift, in particular a ropeway-lift, configured to detect objects (O) in the driving lane (26) of the lift carriage (14), comprising at least one detection units (30), provided in a driving lane (26) of the lift carriage (14), while said at least one detection units (30) comprises a detection grating (35a), a detection net (35b) and/or a detection plate (35), at least one weight sensor system 136, on which the detection units (30) is mounted, and which is configured to provide a (weight-)load signal dependent on a weight or force being applied to the detection units (30), and an evaluation system (40) configured to provide a warning signal based on a level of the load signal. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for monitoring hazards at a lift station and a computer program product (300).