Sensor Switching Circuit for Accurate Elevator State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety apparatuses for elevators often struggle to accurately detect the switching states of sensors, particularly when normally closed switches are connected in series, leading to difficulties in identifying defects and requiring extensive maintenance, as they may interrupt the electrical line and cause contact erosion.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with sensors and a switching unit that communicate via modulation of resistance, voltage, or current intensity, allowing for individual sensor communication and eliminating the need for line interruptions, enabling central evaluation of sensor states and facilitating easy retrofitting by replacing normally closed switches with a single cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical contacts and switches are used to detect sensor states, then the basic switching function is achieved, but the detection accuracy and reliability of sensor states deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical contacts and mechanical switches with a field-effect-based sensing system. Sensors detect the presence or absence of a field (e.g., magnetic or electric field from a key or actuator) without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating contact wear and improving both reliability and measurement precision of the detected state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary field (magnetic or electric field) as a mediator between the switching element and the detection system. This field serves as an indirect carrier of information about the switching state, allowing accurate detection without direct electrical contact between moving and stationary components.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are connected in series with normally closed switches, then the safety function is achieved, but the complexity of identifying defective switches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each sensor or sensor group has an associated indicator that provides immediate visual or electrical feedback about its operational state. This allows maintenance personnel to quickly identify which specific sensor or switch is defective without having to systematically test each component in the series circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the monitoring system into segmented, independently addressable sensor units. Each sensor or sensor group can be individually identified and monitored, allowing defective components to be located by checking individual segments rather than testing the entire series circuit as a whole.
3Reliability
If conventional switching devices are replaced with new sensors, then improved detection is achieved, but the retrofitting complexity and line interruption requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs sensors with multi-functionality that allows them to serve both as detection elements and as integration points for communication buses. The sensors can operate in different configurations (series or parallel) and support multiple communication protocols, enabling them to replace various types of conventional switches without requiring complete system redesign or extensive wiring changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single sensor unit: detection function, communication interface, and indicator function. By merging the sensor with an integrated communication bus interface and status indication capability, the system reduces the number of separate components needed during retrofitting, simplifying installation while maintaining improved detection capabilities.
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 enhances the detection accuracy of sensor states, reduces maintenance complexity, and prevents line interruptions, allowing for efficient identification of defective sensors and improved safety in elevator systems by enabling central monitoring and easy retrofitting.
Implementation Method 1
the communication can take place via modulation of its internal resistance of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
the voltage and/or the current intensity can thus be modulated depending on the circuitry. This modulation then carries the information which is intended to be transmitted during the communication
Data Source
AI summary
A switching device including at least one sensor for detection purposes which can be switched between at least two switching states depending on the detection. In order to enable improved detection of the switching states, a switching unit is provided, the switching unit and the at least one sensor each having a communication unit for communicating with one another, and it being possible for the switching unit to be switched depending on the at least one sensor.