Elevator Sheave Wear Detection via Roping Position Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring elevator sheave wear are time-consuming and infrequent, often requiring mechanical observation, which can lead to excessive wear and additional costs due to delayed detection of wear thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A wear monitoring device with detectors, such as optical, proximity, or contact sensors, positioned to detect the elevator roping's position relative to the sheave, providing real-time wear assessments and triggering notifications or system shutdowns when wear exceeds predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical observation and measurement by a mechanic is used to determine sheave wear, then the method is simple and requires minimal equipment, but it is time-consuming and can only be done infrequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical observation and measurement methods with an automated sensor-based monitoring system. Optical sensors, proximity sensors, or contact sensors detect the position of the elevator roping relative to the sheave, eliminating the need for manual mechanical inspection while enabling continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device automatically detects wear conditions without requiring human intervention. The system self-monitors the sheave wear by detecting roping position changes and triggers notifications or shutdowns when wear thresholds are exceeded, eliminating the need for periodic manual inspections.
2Loss of time
If wear monitoring is performed infrequently due to time constraints, then maintenance costs are reduced in the short term, but excessive wear may occur leading to increased repair costs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device provides continuous wear detection by continuously monitoring the position of the elevator roping relative to the sheave. This continuous action ensures that wear is detected immediately when thresholds are exceeded, preventing excessive wear while eliminating the need for periodic interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on sheave wear conditions through automated detection and notification. When wear exceeds predetermined thresholds, the system triggers notifications or shutdown commands, enabling timely response to prevent excessive wear and associated costs.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If plastic sheave liners are used to reduce wear on the roping, then traction is improved and roping wear is reduced, but the liners still wear over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device detects wear conditions before the sheave liner reaches a critical wear state that would require replacement. By continuously monitoring roping position and triggering notifications at predetermined wear thresholds, the system enables proactive scheduling of liner replacement before failure occurs.
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
Enables timely and accurate detection of sheave wear, reducing maintenance costs and preventing damage by allowing for proactive replacement of sheave liners or shutdowns when necessary, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of elevator operations.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one detector comprises an optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
the at least one detector comprises a proximity sensor
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator sheave wear monitoring device includes at least one detector (32) situated to detect a position of elevator roping (26) that is indicative of a condition of a sheave (30) that the roping (26) at least partially wraps around, the at least one detector (32) providing an output corresponding to the detected position of the elevator roping (26) and indicating an amount of wear of the sheave (30) that exceeds at least one threshold.