Elevator Door Lock Hook Monitoring for Wear Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator door locking mechanisms can malfunction due to wear and tear and accumulation of dust and dirt, compromising safety and operation, necessitating early detection of compromised operation.
Innovation Solution
A system with a locking mechanism comprising a rotatable lock hook assembly, a lock latch, and a safety circuit with a switch that monitors electric current to detect compromised operation, using a door controller to manage the locking mechanism's state and ensure safe door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the locking mechanism operates for a prolonged period, then the elevator door can be opened and closed many times, but wear and tear and accumulation of dust and dirt compromise the operation of the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of compromised locking mechanism operation by monitoring electric current during a relaxation phase before actual door operation. The door controller detects abnormal current patterns that indicate potential failures, allowing preventive maintenance before the locking mechanism actually fails during critical door operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the electric current in the safety circuit as feedback about the locking mechanism's condition. By analyzing current patterns during actuation and relaxation phases, the system provides real-time feedback on the health of the locking mechanism, enabling early detection of wear and tear effects.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is monitored continuously, then compromised operation can be detected early, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism monitors its own operational state through the existing safety circuit and electric current measurements. The door controller, which already exists for door operation control, is enhanced to detect current patterns, allowing the system to self-diagnose without requiring separate dedicated monitoring hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The door controller performs multiple functions: it controls door operation, manages the locking mechanism actuation, and simultaneously monitors the electric current to detect compromised operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate monitoring devices, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system operates an elevator door upon an elevator car residing at a landing zone of a landing and includes a locking mechanism having a rotatable lock hook assembly and a lock latch. The lock hook assembly includes a lock hook portion arranged to selectively engage or disengage the lock latch via rotation of the lock hook assembly to set the locking mechanism, respectively, into a locked state or an unlocked state, and an actuation assembly for rotating the lock hook assembly. A safety circuit indicates a state of the locking mechanism and includes a switch that is closed in the locked state of the locking mechanism and that is open in the unlocked state of the locking mechanism. A door controller is arranged to operate a door driving system, in dependence of movement of the elevator door.