Elevator Cab Accessory Control Device Using Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator cab accessories such as lights and fans often remain operational 24/7, leading to unnecessary energy consumption, and existing control systems require complex wiring and technician intervention for installation, posing safety and cost challenges.
Innovation Solution
An elevator cab accessory control device featuring a control panel with a timer and contactors, integrated with elevator door and occupant sensors to automatically turn off accessories when the elevator is not in use, simplifying installation and reducing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elevator accessories (light and fan) run continuously 24/7, then the elevator interior is always illuminated and ventilated, but energy consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static continuous operation to dynamic conditional operation. The control system dynamically adjusts accessory operation based on real-time sensor inputs (door position, occupancy detection), allowing the light and fan to operate only when needed rather than continuously, thus resolving the contradiction between availability and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor elevator conditions (door status, occupancy) and feed this information to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of accessory operation, ensuring they run only when the elevator is in use, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability
2Extent of automation
If an add-on elevator cab accessory control device is installed, then automatic control of accessories is achieved, but installation complexity and safety risks increase due to existing wire management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a dedicated control device that acts as a mediator between the existing elevator system and the new accessory control functionality. This intermediary unit handles the complexity of wire management and integration, allowing automatic control to be achieved without directly complicating the existing elevator wiring infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control system into separate functional modules (door position sensor, occupancy sensor, control logic, accessory actuators). This modular segmentation allows the control device to be installed as a self-contained unit, reducing installation complexity while maintaining full automation capability
3Reliability
If technician intervention is required for installation, then proper wiring can be ensured, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the control device with built-in features that enable technicians to install and configure the system independently without requiring specialized elevator wiring expertise. The device includes pre-configured connection interfaces and self-diagnostic capabilities that allow proper wiring to be ensured while reducing installation time and cost
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.