Dynamic Elevator Load Settings for Lower Passenger Wait Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems often preset a load capacity that results in underutilization of elevator cars with available capacity, leading to decreased traffic flow and increased wait times as passengers avoid cars with loads below the preset capacity, causing them to be dispatched without occupancy.
Innovation Solution
A dispatch system dynamically adjusts elevator load settings based on real-time load measurements, generating modified load settings and rendering cars inoperable when exceeding capacity, and positioning cars with excess capacity to locations with higher occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a preset load capacity setting is used for elevator cars, then the elevator system ensures safety and simplicity in operation, but the traffic flow decreases and wait times increase because passengers avoid cars with loads below the preset capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load capacity adjustment by continuously monitoring the actual load of elevator cars and automatically modifying the load capacity setting in real-time. The system transitions from a static preset value to a dynamic value that adapts to current conditions, allowing the load capacity to fluctuate within safe limits based on actual passenger demand and car occupancy patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring actual load measurements from elevator cars and using this information to adjust the load capacity setting. The controller receives load data, compares it with the current load capacity setting, and modifies the setting accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes traffic flow while maintaining safety.
2Productivity
If the load capacity setting is dynamically adjusted based on maximum detected load, then traffic flow and passenger occupancy likelihood increase, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator system performs self-adjustment of load capacity settings by automatically monitoring its own load conditions and modifying its operational parameters without external intervention. The controller within the elevator system autonomously makes decisions about load capacity adjustments based on real-time data, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the load capacity parameter dynamically based on detected load conditions. Instead of using a fixed parameter value, the system continuously adjusts the load capacity parameter within safe operational limits, transforming it from a static design specification to a dynamic operational variable that responds to real-time conditions.
3Reliability
If elevator cars are dispatched with lower load thresholds to ensure safety, then safety is maintained, but the likelihood of cars being dispatched empty increases and traffic flow decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by adjusting the load capacity setting to be higher than the conservative preset value when conditions permit, allowing elevator cars to accept more passengers than the traditional safety threshold would permit. This partial increase in load capacity above the conservative baseline improves traffic flow while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring and dynamic adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adjusting a load setting of an elevator car that includes receiving one or more load measurements associated with the elevator car and determining a maximum load of the elevator car from the one or more load measurements. The method further includes generating a modified load setting for the elevator car based on the maximum load and replacing the load setting of the elevator car with the modified load setting.