Adaptive Split Group Elevator Dispatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical elevator systems face inefficiencies due to passengers pressing both call buttons outside of high demand situations to accelerate elevator arrival, leading to resource commandeering and reduced efficiency, and manual operation burdens staff during anticipated high demand periods.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive elevator system that automatically monitors current utilization and activates or deactivates the adaptive split group operation based on sensor data, assigning elevator cars to groups to optimize resource allocation and reduce manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual split operation is implemented to handle high demand periods, then elevator service capacity is improved, but staff workload and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator control system automatically monitors utilization metrics and activates split group operation without staff intervention. The system self-adjusts by detecting high demand conditions and autonomously reconfiguring elevator groups, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining improved service capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by transitioning between normal and split group modes based on real-time utilization data. When utilization exceeds thresholds, the system automatically adjusts group configuration parameters, enabling adaptive response to demand fluctuations without manual input.
2Ease of operation
If all call buttons are illuminated under normal operation, then passenger convenience is improved, but resource commandeering and inefficiency occur during high demand
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments call buttons into different groups corresponding to different elevator groups. During split operation mode, only call buttons for available elevators are illuminated, preventing passengers from requesting elevators that are unavailable or directed to other groups, thus eliminating resource commandeering while maintaining convenience for served passengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The call button illumination system dynamically adapts its behavior based on operational mode. In normal mode, all buttons remain illuminated for maximum convenience. In split operation mode, illumination is dynamically restricted to only those buttons corresponding to available elevators, automatically adjusting to balance convenience and efficiency.
3Productivity
If split operation is activated manually, then high demand periods are better handled, but automatic adaptation and response time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors elevator utilization metrics and uses this feedback to automatically determine when split operation should be activated. The control system processes real-time data on elevator availability, travel time, and demand patterns, automatically triggering split mode when thresholds are exceeded, enabling both high demand handling and automatic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical key switch operation is replaced with an automated electronic control system that monitors utilization metrics and activates split operation automatically. This substitution eliminates manual intervention while maintaining the productivity benefits of split operation during high demand periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to an elevator system of a facility with multiple floors. The elevator system can comprise elevator cars and an elevator controller. The elevator controller includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores computer program instructions executable by the processor to cause the elevator system to determine a current utilization of the elevator system, automatically activate an adaptive split group operation on a per floor basis when the current utilization of the elevator system is greater than a threshold utilization of the elevator system, and dispatch the elevator cars under the adaptive split group operation in accordance with elevator calls.