Magnetic Footprint Positioning for Elevator Hoistways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location and speed of moving objects along controlled trajectories, such as elevators and cranes, are costly and hazardous due to the need for separate position sensor installations, and face challenges with magnetic field interference and accuracy in two-dimensional tracking.
Innovation Solution
A method using magnetic field measurements to create a magnetic footprint and map, allowing for accurate location and speed determination without separate position sensors, by measuring the magnetic field's magnitude and direction influenced by the object's surroundings, and using this data to track the object's position and changes in its state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate position sensors are installed to determine location and speed of moving objects, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location determination function from separate position sensors and integrates it into the existing control system by utilizing the magnetic field environment already present in the hoistway. The control unit processes magnetic field measurements taken by the moving object's own sensors, eliminating the need for separate position sensor installations while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the magnetic field as an intermediary medium for location determination. Instead of direct sensor-to-object measurement, the system uses magnetic field characteristics (influenced by floor levels and structural elements) as an intermediary to indirectly determine the moving object's position and speed, thereby avoiding complex sensor installations.
2Measurement precision
If position sensors are installed in the elevator hoistway, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but installation hazards and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the moving object itself take measurements of the magnetic field environment, rather than having stationary sensors measure the moving object. This reversal eliminates the need for hazardous hoistway sensor installations while maintaining position tracking accuracy through the object's own sensor measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving object performs its own location determination by using its onboard sensors to measure the magnetic field environment. The control unit on the object processes these measurements autonomously, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate sensor installation services in the hoistway.
3Device complexity
If magnetic field measurements are used for location determination, then installation complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected by magnetic field interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by utilizing the specific magnetic field characteristics of different locations in the hoistway (particularly the distinct magnetic signatures of floor levels and structural elements). The control unit analyzes local magnetic field variations to determine position, transforming what could be interference into useful location-specific information that enhances measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, characteristics) as the moving object travels through the hoistway. By detecting and analyzing these parameter changes, the control unit determines position and speed accurately despite the presence of magnetic field interference from various sources.
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 approach simplifies installation, reduces costs and hazards, enhances accuracy and reliability, and enables self-learning and condition monitoring of the object's trajectory, improving performance and energy efficiency while reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one measuring datum is obtained from a magnetic field that is in connection with and/or in the proximity of the path of travel of the moving object, the magnitude and direction of which magnetic field is dependent on the structures in connection with and/or in the proximity of the path of travel of the moving object
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an arrangement is provided for determining the location and/or speed of an object configured to move along a controlled trajectory, in connection with which object is fitted a measuring device measuring at least the magnetic field acting on the object in its different locations, which measuring device comprises a device configured to measure the magnetic field, from the measuring data received from which device a magnetic footprint describing the magnetic field acting on the object in its different locations is formed, which magnetic footprint is recorded in connection with a teaching run, or with self-learning, for later use. The location of the object after a teaching run is determined by measuring in essentially real-time in the direction of the three coordinates X, Y, Z of the magnetic field acting on the object moving along a controlled trajectory and by comparing the measurement results to a magnetic footprint recorded in advance and also by deducing as a result of the comparison the exact location of the object on its path of travel.