Elevator Cab Accessory Control Device Using Occupancy Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator cab accessories such as lights and fans often operate continuously, wasting energy when the elevator is not in use, and existing control systems require complex wiring and technician intervention for installation.
Innovation Solution
An elevator cab accessory control device with a control panel, timer, elevator door position sensor, and occupant sensor that automatically turns off accessories when the elevator is not in use, using a contactor to control the operation of these devices based on sensor inputs, allowing for easier and safer installation without requiring extensive wiring into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessories (light and fan) operate continuously to ensure availability, then service reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static continuous operation to dynamic conditional operation. The accessories dynamically adjust their operational state based on real-time sensor inputs (door position, occupancy detection) and timer conditions, operating only when needed rather than continuously, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor elevator conditions (door status, occupancy) and provide input to the control logic. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust accessory operation based on actual usage patterns, maintaining service reliability while reducing energy consumption during unoccupied periods
2Loss of energy
If existing elevator control systems are modified to control accessories, then energy savings are achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the accessory control function from the main elevator control system. The invention uses standalone sensors (door position sensor, occupancy sensor) and a timer module that can be independently installed and wired to existing power sources, avoiding the need to modify or sort through the complex existing control wiring, thus achieving energy savings without proportionally increasing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (standalone sensor modules, timer control unit) that act as mediators between the existing elevator infrastructure and the accessory control requirements. These intermediaries simplify the integration process by providing dedicated input/output interfaces that don't require deep integration into the existing control system wiring
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator cab accessory device having a control panel having a first timer and a first contactor, whereby the first timer operates the first contactor, an elevator door position sensor communicating with the first timer, and an occupant sensor communicating with the first timer, wherein the first timer operation is controlled by the elevator door position sensor and the occupant sensor, and a first elevator cab accessory communicating with the first contactor, whereby the first elevator cab accessory operation is controlled by the first contactor. A method for controlling elevator accessories and a method for installing an elevator cab accessory device.