Rotating Component Alignment Monitoring Using Magnetic Displacement Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passenger conveyance systems, such as escalators and moving walkways, face inefficiencies and potential failures due to misaligned rotating components, which are difficult to detect efficiently during operation using conventional manual methods.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising rotating components with embedded magnets and sensors that measure displacement to detect misalignments without physical contact, allowing for continuous monitoring and alignment assessment during operation, using magneto-inductive sensors and wireless communication for real-time data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual physical checks with feeler gauge are used to detect misalignment, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the system must be shut down and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment measurement precisionVSAvoidsystem operational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical feeler gauge measurement system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnets are attached to rotating components and sensors mounted on stationary components detect magnetic field changes to determine alignment status, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and system shutdown while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the rotating and stationary components. The magnets on rotating components create magnetic fields that are detected by sensors on stationary components, enabling indirect measurement of alignment without physical contact or system interruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If manual checks are performed when system is non-operational, then safety is improved, but reliability of alignment detection under operational conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during measurementVSAvoidalignment detection accuracy under load

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous alignment monitoring during system operation. The magnetic sensors continuously track the position and alignment of rotating components while the system is running, providing real-time data on alignment status under actual operational conditions including passenger load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing mechanical contact-based measurement with magnetic field sensing, the system can safely operate during measurement. The non-contact magnetic sensors eliminate safety risks associated with manual intervention on moving parts while enabling alignment detection during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple discrete measurement points are checked manually, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment verification accuracyVSAvoidalignment check duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic sensors continuously monitor alignment at multiple points simultaneously during rotation, eliminating the need for sequential manual measurements at discrete positions. The system captures alignment data across the entire rotation cycle in real-time, dramatically reducing measurement time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic sensing system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks position, measures alignment at multiple points, detects vibration, and monitors operational conditions all through a single integrated system, replacing multiple separate manual measurement procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the detection of angular, radial, and axial misalignments without shutting down the system, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of component failure by providing continuous condition-based monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor is arranged to measure a displacement to the at least one magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagneto-inductive sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11319190B2Passenger conveyance system

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

A passenger conveyance system (2, 102, 202) is provided which includes a first component (12, 112, 212) arranged to rotate about a first rotation axis A1 and a second component (16, 116, 216) arranged to rotate about a second rotation axis A2; at least one magnet (20,120, 220); and at least one sensor (24, 124, 224). Either the at least one sensor (24, 124, 224) or the at least one magnet (20, 120, 220) is fixed to the first component (12, 112, 212). The sensor (24, 124, 224) is arranged to measure a displacement to the at least one magnet (12, 112, 212), and the system (2, 102, 202) is arranged to use the measured displacement to determine information indicative of the alignment of the first and second components (12, 112, 212; 16, 116, 216).