ElectroLock™ offers world-class reliability because it uses a small number of solid-state components. The key elements are the car-top mounted control unit , the hoistway-mounted electrosensors, and the magnalatch locking mechanism. The system functions regardless of dirt, dust, grime, smoke, or similar hoistway conditions that render other door restrictors ineffective.
Control Unit and RFID Reader
ElectroLock circuitry is contained in a rugged steel enclosure that mounts in any convenient location on top of an elevator car. The RFID reader in front of the enclosure receives signals from hoistway-mounted electrosensors. The control unit includes timing logic so that the system does not cycle when in transit past non-target landings, reducing component wear. The control unit also monitors the status of the door operator, and prevents motor operation (opening or closing) when the latching mechanism is activated. With ElectroLock, burned out motors due to door or lock malfunction are a thing of the past.
Critical circuits and relays are wired in redundant configurations for additional safety. Solid, reliable and fail-safe design are the hallmarks of Electrodyn engineering, and fully evident in every part of ElectroLock.
Electrosensor
ElectroLock employs radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The system’s credit-card sized electrosensors are mounted on slim brackets that attach at hoistway safe landing zones. When a car approaches or departs an electrosensor-marked landing zone, the RFID Reader recognizes the electrosensor and signals the system to activate.
The angular displacement of the electrosensor and the car-mounted RFID reader can be up to 6 inches—where typical electromagnetic optical systems require nearly exact alignment. During installation, the control unit features a red LED and an audible tone that signals the technician when the electrosensor is in place and ready for lockdown. Landings are marked in a matter of minutes, and should never require recalibration.
Magnalatch
The heart of the locking mechanism is a bi-stable solenoid that drives a steel plunger into a door roller-mounted lock block. A permanent magnet holds the solenoid in position even in a power-loss event. The solenoid operates with pulsed current, a solution that radically enhances component lifespan. With ElectroLock, there are no batteries to inspect, maintain or replace. There are no signaling tapes or electric eyes to clean. Intelligent timing causes magnalatch to cycle only at destination landings. The entire ElectroLock system is designed to operate maintenance free. Once installed, you’ll never have to think about it again. Just set it and forget it.
An Emergency Release Button (ERB)—manually deactivates magnalatch and can be placed in any convenient location on or around a car.
