Butterfly

In this Product Spotlight, IoT revolutionizes elevator diagnostics and predictive maintenance, including monitoring brake efficiency. 

by Eng. Mantovani Alberto

Service continuity and maintenance efficiency are key elements for the effectiveness and sustainability of a vertical-transportation system. Technological advances have opened up scenarios for the elevator industry that were inconceivable just a few years ago — giving lift professionals new smart solutions capable of minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.

The most disruptive concerns the predictive maintenance powered by Internet of Things (IoT) tools — introduced by MONTANARI with the new patent BUTTERFLY, the first device for traction machine’s continuous monitoring through self-learning algorithms, designed to ensure the highest levels of safety.

The major innovation lies in its prognostic approach: the MONTANARI device anticipates malfunctions, enabling intervention planning and therefore optimizing maintenance costs. BUTTERFLY is able to detect increased friction in the elevator system and anomalous vibrations, allowing for maintenance based on actual usage and real operating conditions. 

Its ability to detect the rope slipping already in the early stages represents a major advancement, especially in machine-room-less systems where the issue is typically identified only after leveling problems occur — a situation already critical in terms of safety and comfort.

Continuous monitoring of braking efficiency also enables the system to immediately detect uncontrolled movements while the brake is engaged, flagging potential issues before they put user safety at risk.

Thanks to constant monitoring, it can also reveal optimal system balancing to reduce energy consumption.

Available online 24/7, BUTTERFLY has been developed to send automatic alerts via email notifications to immediately report any detected anomalies — a valuable ally for elevator industry professionals.