Passenger Conveyor Fleet Update Rollout Using Dynamic Sub-Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of managing software updates in a fleet of passenger conveyors, such as elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, is complex due to the large number of geographically dispersed units, and unsuccessful updates can cause out-of-service situations and user dissatisfaction, requiring a more reliable update management approach.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system that divide the fleet into sub-groups based on criteria, perform updates on a sub-group basis, monitor update success, and adjust sub-groups dynamically to ensure compliance with reference values, allowing for controlled roll-backs and adjustments to minimize errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If software update is performed globally and simultaneously across the entire fleet, then update efficiency is improved, but risk of widespread failure and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fleet of passenger conveyors into multiple sub-groups and performs software updates sequentially on each sub-group rather than simultaneously across the entire fleet. This segmentation allows the update process to be controlled in manageable portions, reducing the risk of widespread failure while maintaining overall update efficiency.
2Reliability
If comprehensive software testing and piloting is performed before update, then software reliability is improved, but update time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive software testing and piloting before deploying updates to the production fleet. This preliminary action includes testing the software update in a controlled environment and on pilot units before widespread deployment, ensuring software reliability is validated upfront to prevent failures during actual updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing and piloting process is divided into distinct phases: initial testing, pilot deployment on selected units, and then gradual fleet-wide rollout. This segmented approach allows thorough validation while managing the overall update timeline effectively.
3Reliability
If software update is performed on a sub-group basis, then system reliability is improved, but update complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a structured sub-group division methodology where the fleet is systematically segmented into manageable sub-groups based on specific criteria. This segmentation, while adding some complexity, is managed through automated control systems that handle the coordination, monitoring, and sequential deployment across sub-groups, making the complexity manageable and the process reliable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing a software update of a fleet of passenger conveyors is provided, the method comprises: dividing the fleet of passenger conveyors to a plurality of sub-groups; selecting a first sub-group of passenger conveyors from the fleet of sub-groups for the software update; delivering data to one or more passenger conveyors belonging to the first sub-group of passenger conveyors for performing the software update; receiving data indicative on a state of the software update in the first sub-group of passenger conveyors; and selecting at least one second sub-group of passenger conveyors for the software update. Also a control system and a computer program are provided to.