Elevator Button Pressing Module for Autonomous Robot Floor Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robots cannot autonomously operate elevators due to security measures that prevent direct communication with elevator control systems, limiting their mobility to a single floor and requiring manual operation for inter-floor travel.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pressing module with adjustable fingers to press elevator call buttons, supported by a lifting device and controlled wirelessly by the robot, allowing the robot to autonomously select and activate elevator destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security measures prevent direct communication with elevator control systems, then elevator safety is improved, but mobile robot autonomy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a pressing module with adjustable pressing fingers that physically press the elevator call buttons on the control panel. This intermediary mechanism allows the mobile robot to interact with the elevator system without direct communication, thereby maintaining elevator safety while enabling robot autonomy. The pressing module acts as a mediator between the robot's control system and the elevator's button interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of direct robot-to-elevator communication with a mechanical button-pressing system. The pressing module uses mechanically adjustable fingers to press buttons, substituting electronic direct communication with a mechanical interaction interface that is universally compatible with standard elevator control panels.
2Reliability
If mobile robot cannot control elevator directly, then elevator security is maintained, but robot mobility between floors is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing module is designed with universally adjustable pressing fingers that can adapt to different elevator control panel layouts and button positions. This universal design allows the mobile robot to operate elevators across different buildings and floor configurations, significantly enhancing robot mobility and versatility while maintaining elevator security through indirect control.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing module incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable pressing fingers that can dynamically adapt their position and configuration based on the specific elevator control panel encountered. This dynamic adaptability enables the robot to maintain functionality across various elevator types and locations, improving mobility between floors while preserving security protocols.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is required for elevator transport, then robot control simplicity is improved, but operational efficiency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing module enables the mobile robot to autonomously service its own transportation needs by automatically pressing elevator call buttons based on its destination requirements. The robot independently determines which buttons to press and executes the action without human intervention, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining simple control architecture through automated self-service functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enabling a mobile robot to utilize an elevator autonomously comprises a pressing module including at least one pressing finger adapted to press elevator call buttons on an elevator call control panel. A lifting device of the system supports the pressing module and selectively adjusts a height position of the pressing module for aligning the at least one pressing finger on the pressing module to height positions horizontally aligned with the elevator call buttons. A controller wirelessly communicates with the mobile robot and the pressing module. In response to a command sent by the mobile robot, the controller instructs the pressing module to press an elevator call button on the elevator call control panel associated with the command.