Chute Door Level Detection via Daisy Chain Signal Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chute systems in buildings lack an efficient method to determine which door is open or stuck open, leading to prolonged downtime as maintenance personnel must manually locate the issue, and current solutions often require complex and costly configurations or technical installations.
Innovation Solution
A 'daisy chain' or 'bucket brigade' system where each chute door sends a signal or pulse to its neighbors, allowing the base station to count the pulses and determine the open door level without requiring configuration at each door, simplifying installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If DIP switches or pre-programmed address parameters are configured at each door to determine door level, then the door level of an open door can be determined, but the system becomes considerably more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
A base station is introduced as an intermediary device that centralizes the door level determination function. Instead of each door having its own configuration devices (DIP switches or address parameters), the base station receives signals from doors and determines door levels centrally, eliminating the need for complex configuration at each door location.
Solution Approach 2:
The door level determination function is extracted from individual door units and consolidated into a separate base station. This separates the determination logic from the door hardware, allowing doors to remain simple devices without complex configuration while the base station handles the sophisticated determination algorithm.
2Measurement precision
If DIP switches or pre-programmed address parameters are configured at each door to determine door level, then the door level of an open door can be determined, but technical installation crew and configuration time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-configuration through automatic door level determination. When a door is opened, the base station automatically determines its level based on signal transmission characteristics without requiring manual configuration by installation personnel. The system configures itself during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual configuration procedures (mechanical/systematic installation steps) are replaced with automatic electronic determination. The base station uses signal analysis and counting mechanisms to automatically establish door levels, eliminating the need for installation crews to physically configure each door with switches or parameters.
3Measurement precision
If manual inspection of each chute door is performed to locate an open door, then the open door can be identified, but the chute remains out of service for a long period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring where each door automatically signals its status to the base station. When a door opens, the base station receives feedback and immediately determines the door level, providing real-time information without requiring manual inspection. This continuous feedback loop enables instant detection and identification of open doors.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary that continuously monitors all door statuses and automatically identifies open doors. This eliminates the need for maintenance personnel to physically visit each door, as the base station intermediary already has the information and can immediately identify the problem location.
4Extent of automation
If configuration devices are added to each door to determine door level, then automatic door level determination is achieved, but the installation requires a much more technical installation crew
Solution Approach 1:
The automation logic is extracted from individual door units and placed in a centralized base station. This allows each door to remain a simple device requiring minimal installation skill, while the sophisticated automation function resides in the base station that can be installed and configured by standard personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station serves multiple functions: it monitors door statuses, determines door levels, identifies open doors, and provides real-time notifications. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex automation capabilities into a single device that can be installed and operated without requiring highly technical installation crews at each door location.
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for automatically determining the level of an open chute door in connection with a chute system in a building structure. The position of the open door on the chute is automatically determined, without requiring any configuration at each door on the chute, utilizing a daisy chain wire signal connection and a chute busy wire (enable signal) signal connection. Pulses or other signals are counted at a base station to determine the level of the open door.