Dynamic Floor Locking for Elevator Transport Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems are often overdimensioned to handle peak hours, leading to increased costs and inefficient use of resources, as they struggle to adapt to varying traffic flows, resulting in prolonged waiting times and unnecessary elevator capacity during non-peak hours.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic locking system that uses statistical data to identify and lock specific floors during peak hours, redirecting passengers to alternative routes via stairs, escalators, or elevators to optimize transport capacity and reduce the number of elevators needed, while ensuring equal service for all users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of elevators and hoistway space are increased to meet peak hour service targets, then the transport capacity during peak hours is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic floor locking that adapts the elevator system's operation in real-time based on traffic conditions. During peak hours, specific floors are dynamically locked to reduce the number of stops and optimize transport capacity without requiring additional elevators. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to handle variable traffic demands efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selectively locking floors based on traffic patterns and service targets. The control system monitors traffic conditions and adjusts which floors are accessible to elevators, thereby optimizing transport capacity during different time periods without physical expansion of the elevator infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If the number of elevators is reduced to match average traffic needs, then the cost and device complexity are reduced, but the service quality during peak hours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic floor locking that activates during peak hours to enhance service quality. The control system detects peak hour conditions and selectively locks floors to reduce congestion and improve elevator throughput, ensuring reliable service with fewer elevators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors traffic conditions and service performance, using this feedback to dynamically adjust floor locking strategies. This closed-loop control ensures that service targets are met during peak hours while maintaining cost-effective elevator infrastructure.
3Loss of time
If floors are dynamically locked during peak hours to optimize transport capacity, then the waiting times and service times are reduced, but the adaptability to varying traffic flows must be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic floor locking system that continuously adapts to varying traffic conditions. The control system monitors real-time traffic flows and adjusts which floors are locked, optimizing transport capacity and reducing waiting times while maintaining high adaptability to different traffic scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from traffic monitoring to dynamically adjust floor locking strategies. This ensures that the elevator system adapts to changing traffic patterns while maintaining optimal service levels and minimizing passenger waiting times.
4Productivity
If statistical information is collected and used to forecast peak periods for floor locking, then the transport capacity is optimized proactively, but the system complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent collects statistical information about travel events and uses this data to forecast peak periods in advance. The control system proactively locks floors before peak hours begin, optimizing transport capacity preparation without requiring complex real-time decision-making during high-traffic periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own collected statistical data to automatically forecast and prepare for peak periods. The elevator control system self-adjusts based on historical patterns, reducing the need for external intervention or overly complex external control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention discloses a solution for optimizing the transport capacity of an elevator system (100). For optimizing the transport capacity the elevator system (100) dynamically locks floors (0 - 12) served by it on the basis of defined locking rules.