Elevator Call Allocation System for Load Space Reservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face inefficiencies in handling load calls, leading to suboptimal use of elevator car space and potential disruption of passenger transport, especially during high traffic periods.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a call allocation system integrated with mobile devices to reserve necessary space for load calls, considering load specification data, traffic forecasts, and prioritization algorithms to ensure smooth handling of load calls without impacting passenger transport, by reserving space in elevator cars and communicating via wireless means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If load calls are handled without space reservation, then elevator car space is not optimally used, but handling simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary space reservation based on load specification data before the actual load transport. The call allocation unit calculates required space from load dimensions and reserves it in advance, ensuring optimal space utilization without last-minute conflicts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces terminal devices as intermediaries between users and the elevator system. Users input load specification data through terminal devices, which communicate with the call allocation unit, simplifying the interface while enabling detailed space planning
2Loss of time
If load calls are prioritized during high traffic periods, then load transport timeliness is improved, but passenger transport is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different priority levels to different call types based on local conditions. During high traffic periods, passenger calls receive higher priority while load calls are scheduled in lower-traffic intervals, creating locally optimized quality of service for each call type
Solution Approach 2:
The call allocation system dynamically adjusts priority assignments based on real-time traffic conditions. The system monitors traffic patterns and automatically modifies the priority weighting between load and passenger calls, ensuring timely load transport without compromising overall system reliability
3Measurement precision
If load specification data is collected in detail, then space reservation accuracy is improved, but data input complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the load's physical dimensions through data input. Users enter load specification data (length, width, height) which the system uses to calculate and reserve the corresponding virtual space, avoiding the need for physical measurements while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the user interface for data input and the communication bridge to the elevator system. The same device used for general elevator calls is also used for detailed load specification input, reducing the need for specialized equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a method for allocating elevator cars in an elevator system (10) for passenger transport having at least one elevator group (12) with at least one elevator having at least one elevator car, which elevator group (12) is controlled by an elevator group control (22) having a call allocation system to allocate an elevator car (20a-d) to a floor call using destination call control wherein the floor call includes the departure floor as well as the destination floor, whereby the elevator system (10) communicates via a communication means (28) with terminal devices (30, 32), e.g. mobile devices acting as destination operating panels for the passengers. According to the invention the call allocation system (24) is configured to handle load calls issued via the terminal device, whereby a load call comprises a departure floor, a destination floor, load specification data and a first time or time frame within which the load is to be transported from the departure floor to the destination floor, and the allocation system reserves within the first time/time frame the necessary space and/or weight in an elevator car, obtained from the load specification data and sends a notice to the terminal device from which the load call has been issued and/or to a predetermined terminal device, which notice comprises information that currently or at what time an elevator car (20a-d) is going to serve the load call and which elevator car (20a-d) is going to serve the load call.