Roller Speed Sensor with Embedded Magnets for Elevator Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in accurately detecting the speed of elevator cars, particularly in environments where traditional methods like encoders and centrifugal governors may be unreliable or prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A roller speed sensor system is introduced, comprising a first roller with embedded magnets that rotates along a guide rail within the elevator shaft, and a sensor pair that detects the rotational speed of the magnets to determine the elevator car's speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional encoders or centrifugal governors are used for speed detection, then the system structure is relatively simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The speed detection function is segmented into multiple independent roller sensors distributed along the guide rail, each with its own magnet and sensor pair. This segmentation allows for localized speed measurements that can be combined to achieve high overall precision without requiring a single complex sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical speed measurement methods (centrifugal governors with flyweights and springs) with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnets embedded in rollers interact with sensor pairs to detect rotational speed, substituting mechanical inertia-based measurement with magnetic field detection for higher precision and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If magnets are embedded in the roller surface, then the speed detection precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Magnets are pre-embedded into the roller surfaces during the manufacturing process rather than being attached afterward. This preliminary action integrates the magnetic component installation into the base manufacturing workflow, reducing overall complexity despite the additional step required for precise speed detection.
3Reliability
If multiple sensor pairs are used to detect magnet rotation, then the reliability of speed detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor pairs are positioned at specific locations relative to the magnets on each roller, creating localized detection zones. This local quality approach ensures that each sensor pair optimally detects its corresponding magnet's rotation, improving reliability through precise local measurements rather than relying on a single omnibus sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor pairs continuously monitor the rotational position and speed of magnets on the rollers, providing real-time feedback about elevator car speed. This feedback mechanism enables reliable speed detection and can trigger safety responses if abnormal speeds are detected, enhancing overall system reliability.
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 solution provides accurate and reliable speed detection of elevator cars, enhancing the safety and efficiency of elevator operations by minimizing errors associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor pair located proximate the first roller, the first sensor pair being configured to detect a rotational speed of the one or more magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A roller speed sensor for detecting a speed of an elevator car of an elevator system including: a first roller configured to rotate along a guide rail of the elevator system when the elevator car moves up or down an elevator shaft, the first roller including: one or more magnets; and a first sensor pair located proximate the first roller, the first sensor pair being configured to detect a rotational speed of the one or more magnets.