Elevator Light Curtain Safety Reimagined -Analyzing Technical Advancements and Industry Responses

In recent years, as urbanization develops, elevators have become crucial for vertical transportation, bringing their safety under intense scrutiny.

Elevator light curtains, a significant component in preventing passenger entrapment, directly impact ride safety through their performance and maintenance. Recently, multiple reports across China have detailed incidents of passengers being caught in elevators due to light curtain malfunctions, reigniting public discussion about elevator safety technology.

On June 18, 2025, around 10:00 PM, a mother and her 12-year-old son arrived at Hong Kong's West Kowloon Station. As they were riding an elevator to exit, the boy's left hand unfortunately got caught in a gap in the elevator. Officers and auxiliary police from the West Kowloon Station Police Station quickly arrived on the scene to help. They found the young boy's left palm and forearm tightly wedged between the door frame and the elevator door, completely stuck. Seeing the boy was in immense pain, an officer decided to take immediate action. After careful observation, it was clear the elevator gap was too small to pry open by hand. He quickly took out his police baton and carefully inserted it into the narrow space between the door frame and the elevator door. Working together with station staff, they exerted force to pry it open. Thanks to their combined efforts, the gap widened, and the boy's hand was finally freed.

This incident has drawn widespread public attention. An investigation suggests that the elevator may have failed to detect the obstruction in time due to a light curtain blind spot or a contact malfunction.

How Elevator Light Curtains Ensure Safety: A Technical Breakdown

An elevator light curtain (also known as a "safety light curtain" or "infrared light curtain") is a non-contact safety device that uses infrared beams to detect obstacles. It works by creating a "light curtain barrier" with multiple infrared beams transmitted between an emitter and a receiver. If any of these beams are obstructed, the elevator doors will stop closing and reopen, preventing passengers from being trapped or injured

The main advantages of light curtains include:

1.High Sensitivity: They can detect even small objects like a child's fingers or pets.

2.Non-Contact Operation: Unlike traditional mechanical safety edges, this reduces wear and tear, leading to a longer lifespan.

3.Fast Response: With millisecond response times, they quickly ensure passenger safety.

However, the reliability of light curtains can be significantly affected by environmental factors. Things like dust, grease, or strong light interference can lead to misjudgments or even system failure.

Industry Solutions: Prevention and Optimization in Tandem

To address potential light curtain malfunctions, the elevator industry is enhancing safety performance through two main approaches: technological upgrades and operation and maintenance (O&M) management.

1. Technological Upgrades: Smart Light Curtains and Multiple Protections

1.1 Self-Cleaning Light Curtains: Some manufacturers are introducing light curtains with anti-fouling coatings to reduce dust accumulation and lower the failure rate.

1.2 Anti-Interference Design: These designs use modulated infrared signals to prevent interference from environmental light sources like sunlight or artificial lighting.

1.3 Dual System Redundancy: Some high-end elevators employ a "light curtain + safety edge" dual-protection mechanism. This means that even if the light curtain fails, the mechanical safety edge can still function.

2. O&M Optimization: Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance

2.1 Regular Cleaning: Maintenance personnel must use soft cloths to clean the light curtain surface, ensuring the infrared emitter and receiver are unobstructed.

2.2 Functional Testing: Monthly tests with a testing rod are essential to check if the light curtain responds normally, preventing "false positives" (where the light curtain appears functional but is actually ineffective).

2.3 Replacement of Older Equipment: Light curtains in use for over five years should undergo performance evaluations, with newer models installed when necessary.

3. User Education: Correct Elevator Usage

3.1 Avoid blocking doors with your hands; instead, use the door open button.

3.2 Parents should accompany children when using elevators to prevent them from not being detected by the light curtain due to their height.

3.3 If you notice abnormal elevator door behavior (e.g., repeated opening/closing, slow response), report it for repair immediately.

Future Outlook: Intelligence and Standardization Go Hand in Hand

With the development of Internet of Things technology, intelligent elevator light curtains are gradually becoming popular. Some manufacturers have launched light curtains with self-diagnosis functions, which can monitor performance in real time and warn through remote platforms to achieve "preventive maintenance". In addition, the industry is also promoting stricter national standards for light curtains to further improve product reliability and compatibility.