Dynamic Elevator Load Settings for Better Traffic Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems often preset a load capacity that leads to inefficient traffic flow and increased wait times due to passengers avoiding elevator cars with loads below the capacity, resulting in empty dispatches and wasted resources.
Innovation Solution
A dispatch system dynamically adjusts elevator load settings based on real-time load measurements, rendering cars inoperable when exceeding capacity and strategically repositioning inactive cars to optimize occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a preset load capacity setting is used for elevator cars, then safety and structural integrity are maintained, but traffic flow efficiency decreases and wait times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static preset load capacity to a dynamic load setting that automatically adjusts based on real-time conditions. The system monitors elevator car occupancy and dynamically modifies the load setting during operation, allowing the elevator to accept calls even when approaching the original preset capacity, thereby improving traffic flow while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring and controlled adjustments.
2Ease of manufacture
If a preset load capacity setting is used for elevator cars, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but load distribution optimization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring elevator car load conditions and using this information to automatically adjust load settings. The system receives feedback from occupancy sensors and call buttons, processes this data, and dynamically modifies the load capacity setting accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables optimal load distribution across multiple elevator cars while maintaining the simplicity of preset configurations for different elevator types.
3Ease of operation
If elevator cars are dispatched with below-capacity loads, then passenger preference for less crowded elevators is satisfied, but resource utilization decreases and wait times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically modifying the load capacity parameter based on real-time operational conditions. Instead of using a fixed preset capacity, the system adjusts the effective load threshold that triggers elevator dispatch. When an elevator car is approaching its original capacity, the system lowers the effective threshold to encourage dispatch, thereby improving resource utilization while still accommodating passenger preferences through controlled parameter 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.