Patent Grant
11548761
This application claims the benefit of Indian Application No. 201811028705 filed Jul. 31, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The embodiments herein relate to sensors, and more specifically, to sensors for detecting elevator mechanics in elevator systems.
Elevator mechanics perform service and repairs to ensure the proper functioning of the elevator systems. In some instances, the mechanics must gain access to the hoistway of the elevator system to perform maintenance where they are exposed to various cables, beams, structures, and other moving parts. In order to ensure the safety of the mechanics in the hoistway, effective safety measures are needed to detect the presence of a mechanic and perform a responsive action for their protection.
According to an embodiment, a method for detecting mechanics in a system is provided. The method includes monitoring a zone using one or more anchors. The method also includes detecting a location of a tag in the zone, and executing a safety action based at least in part on the location of the tag.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include calibrating one or more anchors in the system, wherein the anchors are positioned in a hoistway of an elevator system, wherein the one or more anchors monitor at least one of an area above an elevator car or an elevator pit.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include configuring a master anchor to communicate with other anchors and a controller, wherein the master anchor is selected based on at least one of a static assignment or a dynamic assignment, wherein the dynamic assignment is based on at least one of a battery life, functionality, or power ON sequence of the one or more anchors.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include safety actions such as activating an alarm system, activating the elevator safety chain and processes, sending an alarm, disabling an elevator car, reducing elevator car speed, or restricting access to one or more floors.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include transmitting an alarm to at least one of a user device or a system.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a tag that is an ultra-wide band (UWB) RF tag.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include executing a safety action on an adjacent elevator car based at least in part on the location of the tag.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include performing a first safety action based at least in part on the detection of the tag in a first sub-zone of the area of an elevator car.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include performing a second safety action based at least in part on the detection of the tag in a second sub-zone of the area of the elevator car, wherein the first safety action is different from the second safety action.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include detecting multiple tags having a unique identifier.
In another embodiment, a system for detecting mechanics is provided. The system includes a controller configured to communicate with one or more anchors, and a tag configured to communicate with other tags and the anchor, and transmit a signal, wherein the signal includes identifier and location information. The system also includes one or more anchors, wherein the one or more anchors are configured to detect the signal from the tag, wherein the controller is configured to execute a safety action response to detecting the signal from the tag.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include an anchor that is configured as a master anchor.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a tag that is an ultra-wide band (UWB) RF tag.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include anchors that are positioned in a hoistway of an elevator system to monitor at least one of an area above one or more elevator cars or an elevator pit.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include anchors that are configured to perform a calibration which includes configuring a master anchor to communicate with other anchors and the controller, wherein the master anchor is selected based on at least one of a static assignment or a dynamic assignment, where the dynamic assignment is based on at least one of a battery life, functionality, or power ON sequence of the one or more anchors.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include executing safety actions such as disabling an elevator car, reducing elevator car speed, or restricting access to one or more floors.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a controller that is configured to transmit an alarm to at least one of a user device or an external system.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a controller that is configured to execute a safety action on an adjacent elevator car based at least in part on the location of the tag.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a controller that is configured to perform a first safety action based at least in part on the detection of the tag in a first sub-zone of the area of an elevator car, and perform a second safety action based at least in part on the detection of the tag in a second sub-zone of the area of the elevator car, wherein the first safety action is different from the second safety action.
In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments include a plurality of tags, wherein each tag of the plurality of tags includes a unique identifier.
Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include detecting the precise location of the mechanic using robust sensor technology to prevent any potential risks or provide an alarm to the mechanic to ensure their safety.
The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non-limiting.
The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.
Elevator hoistways may be equipped with various types of sensors and cameras to detect the presence of mechanics and other personnel. However, current solutions using cameras may suffer from low lighting conditions inhibiting the ability to positively detect a person in the area. Other sensors and detectors may be affected by the dust build up on the equipment which can interfere with their performance Other sensors and detectors may be limited by their directional zone of coverage and they may also be limited by the structures enclosing the area.
In one or more embodiments, tags such as ultra-wide band (UWB) RF (hereinafter referred to as UWB tag) are used to determine a precise location of a mechanic. It is to be understood that other types of wireless technology can be used in association with the tags. The UWB tag offers a number of added benefits over the conventional techniques. The UWB tag is configured to sweep several different frequencies and is not limited to a single frequency. The UWB tag offers a robust solution with low interference to other signals and objects within a zone of coverage. In addition, the UWB tag is able to transmit signals and beacons beyond a confined space and can be detected through walls and other structures. In addition, the techniques described herein provide a solution that can be quickly installed and retrofit on existing elevator configurations to enhance the safety features of the system. The techniques described herein not only detect the presence of a mechanic but determine the location of the mechanic. In addition, the techniques described herein are not solely limited to UWB technology but can also be applied to other wired and wireless technologies.
The tension member 107 engages the machine 111, which is part of an overhead structure of the elevator system 101. The machine 111 is configured to control movement between the elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105. The position reference system 113 may be mounted on a fixed part at the top of the elevator shaft 117, such as on a support or guide rail, and may be configured to provide position signals related to a position of the elevator car 103 within the elevator shaft 117. In other embodiments, the position reference system 113 may be directly mounted to a moving component of the machine 111, or may be located in other positions and/or configurations as known in the art. The position reference system 113 can be any device or mechanism for monitoring a position of an elevator car and/or counter weight, as known in the art. For example, without limitation, the position reference system 113 can be an encoder, sensor, or other system and can include velocity sensing, absolute position sensing, etc., as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
The controller 115 is located, as shown, in a controller room 121 of the elevator shaft 117 and is configured to control the operation of the elevator system 101, and particularly the elevator car 103. For example, the controller 115 may provide drive signals to the machine 111 to control the acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of the elevator car 103. The controller 115 may also be configured to receive position signals from the position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device. When moving up or down within the elevator shaft 117 along guide rail 109, the elevator car 103 may stop at one or more landings 125 as controlled by the controller 115. Although shown in a controller room 121, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the controller 115 can be located and/or configured in other locations or positions within the elevator system 101. In one embodiment, the controller may be located remotely or in the cloud.
The machine 111 may include a motor or similar driving mechanism. In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the machine 111 is configured to include an electrically driven motor. The power supply for the motor may be any power source, including a power grid, which, in combination with other components, is supplied to the motor. The machine 111 may include a traction sheave that imparts force to tension member 107 to move the elevator car 103 within elevator shaft 117.
Although shown and described with a roping system including tension member 107, elevator systems that employ other methods and mechanisms of moving an elevator car within an elevator shaft may employ embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments may be employed in ropeless elevator systems using a linear motor to impart motion to an elevator car. Embodiments may also be employed in ropeless elevator systems using a hydraulic lift to impart motion to an elevator car.
In other embodiments, the system comprises a conveyance system that moves passengers between floors and/or along a single floor. Such conveyance systems may include escalators, people movers, etc. Accordingly, embodiments described herein are not limited to elevator systems, such as that shown in
In
The anchors 208 are configured to receive and detect signals/beacons that are transmitted from the tags 206. In some embodiments, the anchors 208 are battery powered anchors and in other embodiments, the anchors can be directly coupled to a power source such as an AC power source. In other embodiments, the anchors can be operably coupled to the elevator car or a controller. In the example configuration shown in
In one or more embodiments, a master anchor is configured to collect data from the other anchors. The data includes detection information of the tag 206. Each tag 206 can be configured with a unique identifier to allow the location of multiple mechanics to be monitored by the anchors 208. The master anchor can be configured to perform the calculation to determine the location of the one or more tags. The master anchor can also be configured to communicate with other anchors, a controller, user device, etc. The master anchor can include the same design as the other anchors or include a different specialized design for increased functionality, such as increased computing power to perform calculations on the received signals to determine the location of the tag. In one or more embodiments, the data can be provided to a controller or some other local device to perform the calculation. In a different embodiment, the calculation can be performed by processing device in the network cloud. In other embodiments, the calculations can be embedded locally in one or more of the anchors such as the master anchor.
The master anchor can be configured in a static or dynamic fashion. A master anchor can be statically selected by pre-configuring the master anchor among the plurality of anchors. The master anchor can be dynamically selected based on the remaining battery life of each of the plurality of anchors or the first anchor to be powered ON. In addition, the master anchor can be selected based on the functionality of each anchor. It should be understood the master anchor can be selected by other techniques.
In other embodiments, the functionality of the master anchor can be distributed among the plurality of anchors. For example, a first anchor can be configured to communicate with a user device, such as for a mechanic A second anchor can be configured to communicate with a controller. Another anchor can be configured to collect the data from the other anchors. It should be understood that these functions and/or other additional functions can be performed by any combination of anchors.
The plurality of anchors 208 can be configured to detect a subzone of an area such as the top portion of the elevator 202. The top portion 212 of the elevator in this non-limiting example is divided into four subzones 212A-D. The plurality of anchors can detect the zone tag 206 is present and also detect the exact location within the subzone the tag 206 is located. In this non-limiting example, the tag 206B is detected in the subzone 212A. This zone or the precise location can be used to determine which safety action is to be performed. Although only four subzones 212A-D are shown, the anchors 208 are capable of supporting more or fewer subzones including subzones in the pit 214 or any other desired monitoring area.
In some embodiments, the area above and/or below the elevator car 202 can be divided into subzones, such as subzones 212A-D, where a detection in each subzone can trigger a different safety action to be performed based on the level of risk associated with each subzone. For example, in a multi-car elevator system having a first elevator hoistway that is adjacent to a second elevator hoistway, such as that shown in
In one or more embodiments, the location of the tag can be monitored as a mechanic wearing the tag approaches the hoistway and a corresponding safety action can be taken based on the location/distance relative to the hoistway the mechanic is in. For example, as a mechanic approaches the hoistway and upon detection of the tag, a notification can be transmitted to the mechanic, such as to a mobile device or an audio/visual indication provided outside of the hoistway. As the mechanic gets closer to the hoistway an alert can be transmitted to the mechanic. As the mechanic enters the hoistway and the precise location is determined an alarm or other indication can be provided to the mechanic. It should be understood the notifications can also be transmitted to a controller and further transmitted to another device or system for further processing. This configuration provides escalating an alert level as the mechanic approaches and enters the hoistway to ensure the mechanic is aware of his presence in a particular safety zone.
In one or more embodiments, the safety action can include disabling the elevator car 202. In other embodiments, the elevator car 202 can be slowed down or restricted from accessing a certain number of floors. Other actions can be taken such as temporarily delaying the operation of an elevator car 202. The delay can be a pre-configured delay or the presence can be detected again to determine whether it is safe to operate the elevator car 202. It is to be understood that the tag and anchor(s) can perform the detection and tracking independently of the elevator system. Also, the results of the detection and tracking can be used for a number of applications and is not limited by those disclosed in association with the elevator system. In one or more embodiments, a master anchor can be configured as a controller and operated to manage the tags and anchors independently of the elevator system.
In
Now referring to
The method 400, at block 406 provides for monitoring a zone using the one or more anchors. The anchors are configured to determine when a tag has entered the area. In other embodiments, each tag is configured with an identifier and the anchors can detect and track multiple tags (mechanics) in a location simultaneously.
At block 408 the method 400 includes detecting a location of a tag in the zone. In one or more embodiments, the data is collected from the plurality of anchors to determine a location of the tag. The data can include performing trilateration techniques using the plurality of sensors to determine the location of the tag such as the x, y, z, coordinates of the tag. The location information can also be indicated in the form of a timestamp and signal strength. In one or more embodiments, the anchors are configured to exchange tag information among the anchors. For example, the anchors are configured to share tag distance information with other tags.
The method 400 proceeds to block 410 which provides for executing a safety action, responsive to detecting the location of the tag. In one or more embodiments, the safety action can include disabling an elevator car such as opening the safety chain. In another example, the operating speed of the elevator car can be reduced. In a different example, the access to a number of floors can be restricted based on the detection. In other embodiments, the anchors can track the movement of the tag independent of performing a safety action on the elevator system.
The method 400 can be repeated at a configurable interval or can be triggered by an initial detection of the tag by at least one of the anchors. In one or more embodiments, the anchors can be configured to operate in a low power, low frequency listen-only mode until a tag is detected. The method 400 ends at block 412. Although the detectors are discussed in reference to UWB transmitters/receivers, it should be understood that the UWB transmitters/receives can be coupled with other types of technologies for communication, detectors, and sensors in the system to implement safety measures for the mechanics present in a monitored location.
The technical benefits and effects include improved safety for elevator service mechanics. The accurate position information reduces the triggering of false alarms based on a mechanic standing next to a designated safety area or working on an adjacent elevator in a multi-unit system. The technical benefits and effects improve over simply detecting if a user is present but determines an exact location to select a safety measure to implement. The tags offer a high data rate in short range, non-interfering, and high multi-path immunity configuration that improves over the current systems.
As described above, embodiments can be in the form of processor-implemented processes and devices for practicing those processes, such as a processor. Embodiments can also be in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as network cloud storage, SD cards, flash drives, floppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes a device for practicing the embodiments. Embodiments can also be in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into an executed by a computer, the computer becomes a device for practicing the embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.
The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity and/or manufacturing tolerances based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features in the particular embodiments, but the present disclosure is not thus limited. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
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