How Elevator Door Protectors Contribute to Passenger Safety

When it comes to keeping passengers safe, elevators have come a long way. Today, automated door protection systems use infrared beams, smart sensors, vision-based technology and more to help detect and protect passengers in a wide variety of situations with a high degree of precision. 

How Door Protectors Enhance Passenger Safety

Door protectors offer a reliable, low-maintenance solution for reducing the risk of accidents or damage caused by door closure on passengers and objects. Door protectors can detect a person or an object early and accurately, then adjust the door’s operation accordingly. They also reduce the risk of entrapment by ensuring the doors remain open until the area is clear. 

Here are a few types of door protectors that use technology to prevent dangerous door closures. 

Elevator Light Curtains

Lift light curtains—also known as detectors or safety edges—are devices made up of infrared beams to detect the presence of a person or object in the door’s path. Typically attached to the elevator car door, these sensors travel with the elevator. When an obstruction is detected between the transmitter and receiver, the doors reopen or refrain from closing on the person or object.

Time-of-Flight (ToF) Sensors

ToF sensors can create a detailed depth map of the area in front of the door, detecting persons or objects approaching the elevator entrance. These sensors are highly accurate, with the ability to detect objects approaching the elevator and their distances. They are typically installed on or inside the door header to effectively monitor the entrance and surrounding area.

Vision-Based Systems

These systems use cameras and image processing algorithms to analyze the door area and detect obstructions in real time. Like ToF sensors, this highly advanced technology is capable of distinguishing between different types of objects. It also offers flexibility in terms of installation, with several options available to ensure complete coverage. 

Other Benefits of Door Protectors

Beyond increased safety, door protectors can bring additional benefits to operations. 

1. Improved passenger experience. Elevator doors play a significant role in a passenger’s ride. When passengers are able to freely exit and enter an elevator with confidence, their overall experience is elevated. 
2. Reduction in maintenance costs. Because door protectors minimize accidents and malfunctions, the associated costs are decreased as well. 
3. Contribution to building and elevator compliance. The right systems can also fulfill all door detection code requirements, ensuring protection for your passengers and your business. 
4. Improved efficiency. Elevator door protection technology helps to reduce disruptions and downtime while improving passenger flow, contributing to lower costs and better performance.

How ADAMS is supporting you

ADAMS is committed to providing our customers with the most advanced solutions for passenger safety. 

ADAMS’ CabSafe™ Light Curtain System combines a 2D light curtain, a state-of-the-art 3D ToF sensor and a controller to provide continuous detection and elevated convenience. The system, ideal for new installations and modernizations, prevents accidents and injuries by keeping elevator doors open until every last rider has entered or exited. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with other safety systems. The CabSafe system fulfills the latest requirements for both ASME A17.1-2019 / CSA B44:19 and ASME A17.1-2022 / CSA B44:22.