Elevator Antenna Pair for Hoistway Signal Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger transportation systems, such as elevators, face difficulties in achieving reliable radio signal coverage within hoistways due to the materials used in construction and regulatory restrictions on active repeaters, making it costly and challenging to install and maintain wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an elevator antenna pair comprising a primary antenna within the elevator landing signalization unit and a secondary antenna inside the hoistway, connected via a wire, utilizing passive repeater technology to enhance radio signal coverage without the need for expensive active repeaters or additional wall drillings, allowing integration with existing electronics and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active repeaters are used to improve signal coverage in the hoistway, then radio signal coverage is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the building's existing structural elements (concrete pillars, walls, and floors) as intermediary passive repeaters to propagate radio signals throughout the hoistway. Instead of installing active repeater devices, the invention transforms the building structure itself into a signal propagation medium by embedding conductive elements or using the structure's natural electromagnetic properties, thereby eliminating the need for complex active signaling equipment while maintaining signal coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The building's existing infrastructure serves its dual purpose: structural support and radio signal propagation. The concrete pillars and walls that already exist for structural integrity are utilized as passive repeaters, eliminating the need for separate active signaling infrastructure. This self-service approach allows the building structure to automatically provide signal coverage without requiring additional active devices, power sources, or complex installation procedures.
2Reliability
If active repeaters are installed to enhance signal coverage, then radio signal coverage is improved, but electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The building's existing infrastructure serves its dual purpose: structural support and radio signal propagation. The concrete pillars and walls that already exist for structural integrity are utilized as passive repeaters, eliminating the need for separate active signaling infrastructure. This self-service approach allows the building structure to automatically provide signal coverage without requiring additional active devices, power sources, or complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the building's existing structural elements (concrete pillars, walls, and floors) as intermediary passive repeaters to propagate radio signals throughout the hoistway. Instead of installing active repeater devices, the invention transforms the building structure itself into a signal propagation medium by embedding conductive elements or using the structure's natural electromagnetic properties, thereby eliminating the need for complex active signaling equipment while maintaining signal coverage.
3Reliability
If antennas are placed inside the hoistway, then radio signal coverage is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to concrete and steel construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates radio signaling functionality into the building's universal structural elements. The same concrete pillars and walls that provide structural support are also utilized as passive repeaters for radio signal propagation. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for separate antenna installations within the hoistway, as the structural elements themselves serve dual purposes: mechanical support and electromagnetic signal propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the building's existing structural elements (concrete pillars, walls, and floors) as intermediary passive repeaters to propagate radio signals throughout the hoistway. Instead of installing active repeater devices, the invention transforms the building structure itself into a signal propagation medium by embedding conductive elements or using the structure's natural electromagnetic properties, thereby eliminating the need for complex active signaling equipment while maintaining signal coverage.
4Temperature
If metal coated thermal insulations and selective windows are used for building construction, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but radio signal access to the building is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the building's existing structural elements (concrete pillars, walls, and floors) as intermediary passive repeaters to propagate radio signals throughout the hoistway. Instead of installing active repeater devices, the invention transforms the building structure itself into a signal propagation medium by embedding conductive elements or using the structure's natural electromagnetic properties, thereby eliminating the need for complex active signaling equipment while maintaining signal coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides enhanced radio signal coverage throughout the elevator car travel length with low-cost, easy installation and minimal maintenance, supporting both emergency telephones and passenger devices without requiring on-site electric power, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a primary antenna that is configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals with an external wireless communication network
Implementation Method 2
a secondary antenna that is communicatively connected to the primary antenna and configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals with at least one radio frequency transceiver in an elevator car
Implementation Method 3
The secondary antenna is communicatively connected to the primary antenna via a wire
Data Source
AI summary
The invention allows enhancing radio signal coverage in an elevator environment. An elevator antenna pair comprises a primary antenna that is configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals with an external wireless communication network. The elevator antenna pair further comprises a secondary antenna that is communicatively connected to the primary antenna and configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals with at least one radio frequency transceiver in an elevator car. The primary antenna is arranged within an elevator landing signalization unit, and the secondary antenna is arranged inside an elevator hoistway.