Adaptive Elevator Door Drive Travel Curve Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator doors in high-speed elevators face inefficiencies due to non-optimal travel curves, leading to excessive energy consumption and wear, particularly under varying pressure relationships and air flows, which impair transport performance and increase maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine and implement an optimal travel curve for elevator door operation based on real-time detection of pressure conditions and air flows using sensor units, considering meteorological data and building-specific parameters, allowing for adaptive control of door drive forces during opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed travel curve is used for door operation, then the control system is simple, but the transport performance deteriorates under varying pressure relationships and air flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed travel curve to a dynamically adaptable travel curve that adjusts door movement parameters in real-time based on detected air flows and pressure relationships. The control system selects from multiple pre-calculated travel curves or generates adaptive curves responding to environmental conditions, thereby optimizing transport performance without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying travel curve parameters (acceleration, deceleration, holding phases) based on detected environmental conditions. Different travel curves with varied parameter sets are selected according to air flow strength and pressure relationships, allowing optimization of door operation for different scenarios while maintaining a manageable control structure.
2Productivity
If door closing speed is increased to improve transport performance, then productivity increases, but energy consumption and door wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes energy consumption by dynamically adjusting travel curve parameters based on environmental conditions. When air flows are favorable, higher closing speeds with optimized acceleration and deceleration phases are selected. When resistance is high, the system adapts by selecting curves with appropriate force application timing, avoiding excessive energy expenditure while maintaining acceptable closing speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using holding phases at intermediate positions during door closing. Instead of continuously applying maximum force, the system closes doors to intermediate positions, holds them temporarily to allow pressure equalization, then completes closing. This reduces peak energy consumption while maintaining overall productivity by preventing door re-opening events.
3Loss of time
If high closing forces are applied throughout the door closing process, then door closing time is reduced, but door wear increases and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces door wear by varying force application parameters throughout the closing process and across different operational scenarios. Travel curves incorporate acceleration phases, constant velocity phases, and deceleration phases with different force magnitudes. The system selects curves that apply high forces only when necessary (favorable air flows) and use gentler forces when air resistance is high, thereby reducing cumulative wear while maintaining acceptable closing times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action through holding phases where doors are temporarily held at intermediate positions. This allows pressure equalization between shaft and car interior, preventing sudden pressure differentials that would cause door re-opening. By closing to intermediate positions, holding, then completing closure, the system avoids the need for continuously excessive forces, reducing wear on door components and actuators.
4Use of energy by moving object
If proportional adaptation of closing force to wind speed is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but the travel curve is not optimally matched to pressure relationships during different phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the door closing process into distinct phases (acceleration, constant velocity, deceleration, holding) and applies different force strategies to each phase based on environmental conditions. Travel curves are constructed with phase-specific parameters that optimize energy consumption for each segment while considering air flow and pressure relationships. This segmented approach allows finer control than simple proportional adaptation, improving overall closing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances energy efficiency by introducing holding phases at intermediate positions where doors are temporarily held to allow pressure equalization. During these holding phases, minimal or zero closing force is applied, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous force application. The partial closing-to-intermediate-position approach prevents door re-opening events, improving overall closing efficiency despite the extended time at intermediate positions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach optimizes door closing times by up to 15-20% and reduces energy consumption, maintaining high transport performance even under unfavorable conditions, thereby minimizing maintenance costs and extending equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure conditions and/or air flows are detected. For example, for this purpose there is present in the shaft and/or on at least one floor a sensor unit which detects the physical conditions.
Implementation Method 2
Pressure conditions and/or air flows are detected. For example, for this purpose there is present in the shaft and/or on at least one floor a sensor unit which detects the physical conditions.
Implementation Method 3
A travel curve which is optimal with respect to the detected pressure relationships and/or air flows is determined from several travel curves.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an elevator installation and the elevator installation include elevator doors actuated by an elevator drive according to a travel curve. At least one sensor unit detects pressure relationships and/or air flows. An evaluating unit determines a travel curve, which is optimal with respect to the detected pressure relationships and/or air flows, from a plurality of travel curves.