Ropeless Elevator Back-EMF Position Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ropeless elevator systems face challenges in efficiently controlling the movement and stopping of elevator cars in multiple lanes, particularly in high-rise buildings where traditional rope systems are cumbersome, and there is a need for effective traffic management to prevent anomalies and ensure safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A ropeless elevator system utilizing linear motors and magnets, with a back EMF module and controller system to determine car positions and stop cars based on back EMF signals, ensuring safe and controlled movement by deploying brakes when necessary, and managing communication interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional rope systems are used in high-rise buildings, then the elevator system can operate, but the mass of the ropes becomes prohibitive and traffic management becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional rope system from the elevator mechanism, extracting the function of force transmission to the counterweight and replacing it with a ropeless design where the counterweight directly balances the car weight through gravitational force, eliminating the prohibitive rope mass in high-rise applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rope-based force transmission system with an electromagnetic braking system that uses eddy currents and magnetic fields to control car movement and stopping, substituting mechanical friction and rope tension with electromagnetic forces for more efficient traffic management
2Device complexity
If multiple elevator cars travel in a single lane without effective control, then the system structure is simplified, but anomalies occur and safe operation cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect the position, speed, and operational state of multiple elevator cars, and the control system adjusts braking forces and motor commands in real-time to prevent anomalies and ensure safe operation, maintaining reliability without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-regulating electromagnetic braking systems that automatically adjust braking force based on car position and speed, with the system self-correcting operational parameters to prevent anomalies without requiring complex external intervention mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic braking systems are used to stop elevator cars, then stopping control is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electromagnetic braking function with the existing linear motor drive system, merging the motor controller and brake controller into an integrated control unit that manages both propulsion and stopping functions, improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in system complexity through functional integration
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
The system effectively controls the movement and stopping of cars in multiple lanes, preventing anomalies and ensuring safe operation by using back EMF signals to determine positions and deploy brakes, thus enhancing traffic management and safety in high-rise buildings.
Implementation Method 1
Each car is propelled using a plurality of linear motors and a plurality of magnets
Implementation Method 2
A back electro-motive force (EMF) module is operatively connected to at least one of the linear motor controller and the lane controller. The lane controller being configured and disposed to control stopping of at least one of the one or more cars based on a back EMF signal from the at least one linear motor determined by the back EMF module
Implementation Method 3
Each car is propelled using a plurality of linear motors and a plurality of magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A ropeless elevator system 10 includes a lane 13, 15, 17. One or more cars 20 are arranged in the lane. At least one linear motor 38, 40 is arranged along one of the lane and the one or more cars, and a magnet 50, 60 is arranged along the other of the lane and the one or more cars. The at least one magnet is responsive to the at least one linear motor. A linear motor controller 70 is operatively connected to the at least one linear motor, and a lane controller 80 is operatively connected to the linear motor controller. A back electro-motive force (EMF) module 84 is operatively connected to at least one of the linear motor controller and the lane controller. The lane controller being configured and disposed to control stopping one of the one or more cars based on a back EMF signal from the at least one linear motor determined by the EMF module.