Robotic Hoistway Inspection for Precise 3D Elevator Shaft Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manually mapping and inspecting elevator shafts for installation and maintenance is time-consuming and imprecise, necessitating a more efficient and accurate method.

Innovation Solution

An elevator inspection system utilizing a robotic platform equipped with sensors and a controller that generates a three-dimensional hoistway model from sensor data, allowing precise installation and maintenance by defining virtual elevator components and monitoring operational parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual mapping and inspection methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption and imprecision increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection precisionVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors (LIDAR, cameras, photogrammetry sensors) that can autonomously map and inspect hoistways, eliminating the need for manual measurement tools and procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic platform is self-propelled and autonomously navigates through the hoistway using SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, performing inspection tasks without requiring continuous human intervention or control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual inspection methods are used, then system complexity is kept low, but productivity and inspection accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic platform is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform various inspection tasks (hoistway mapping, component inspection, measurement) and maintenance operations using different sensor types and interchangeable tools, making it universally applicable to diverse elevator inspection scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple sensor types (LIDAR, cameras, photogrammetry sensors) and navigation systems into a single integrated robotic platform, merging previously separate inspection functions into one cohesive automated system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional mapping methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and model accuracy worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional manual measurement tools and procedures with advanced optical and laser-based sensing systems (LIDAR, photogrammetry sensors) that automatically capture precise spatial data and generate accurate 3D models without requiring manual measurement techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3882202B1Elevator inspection system with robotic platform configured with a platform propulsor

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

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AI summary

Disclosed is an elevator inspection system, the system having: a robotic platform (220) configured to inspect a hoistway; a platform propulsor (255) operationally connected to the robotic platform (220); and a controller (230) operationally connected to the platform propulsor (255), wherein the controller (230) is configured to control the platform propulsor (255) to propel the robotic platform (220) vertically within the hoistway.