Elevator Call Panel with Hinged Pushbuttons and Interlocking Teeth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator call panels lack clarity and usability due to conventional designs that often require separate guidance for up and down call pushbuttons, leading to confusion among users.

Innovation Solution

A call panel design featuring a planar front surface with a center display panel and hinged call pushbuttons positioned above or below it, where the pushbuttons' position and display information provide intuitive purpose indication, and a protective toothing structure in the gaps to prevent penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional call pushbuttons with separate arrow figures are used, then the purpose of each button is indicated, but the panel lacks clarity and usability due to requiring separate guidance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveusabilityVSAvoidpanel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the up call pushbutton above the center panel and the down call pushbutton below the center panel, creating an asymmetric layout that intuitively indicates direction without requiring additional arrow figures or guidance symbols. This spatial arrangement alone provides sufficient directional information to users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different visual qualities to different parts of the panel: the center panel displays floor and elevator information, while the call pushbuttons are positioned in specific locations (above for up, below for down) with distinct markings. This local differentiation enhances usability without adding overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If call pushbuttons are made movable with hinging to maintain seamless appearance, then the front surface appears unbroken, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront surface continuityVSAvoidhinge structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the call pushbuttons movable by hinging them to the center panel, allowing them to fold slightly when pressed. This dynamic capability maintains the appearance of a continuous front surface while enabling functional interaction, as the buttons can move without creating visible gaps or breaks in the panel design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If gaps are left between pushbuttons and frame for accessibility, then buttons are easily reachable, but the panel is vulnerable to penetration and dirt entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton accessibilityVSAvoidpenetration and dirt

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an obstructing structure (such as toothing) as an intermediary element in the gaps between the pushbuttons and the frame. This intermediary provides mechanical obstruction that prevents penetration and blocks dirt entry, while still allowing users to access and press the buttons through the gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If pushbuttons are pressed to register calls, then calls are registered, but the panel structure may be damaged from repeated pressing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall registrationVSAvoidpanel durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements hinged pushbuttons that can fold slightly when pressed, allowing the buttons to move and return to their original position. This dynamic mechanism enables repeated call registration while the hinge structure absorbs the mechanical stress, preventing damage to the overall panel structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances clarity and usability by providing intuitive button purpose indication and maintaining a seamless visual appearance while preventing damage and dirt entry, thus improving user interaction and panel durability.

Implementation Method 1

hinging the center panel and a call pushbutton to each other either directly or via a support structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

an obstructing structure formed in the gap... A preferred preventive structure is toothing, on the frame of the call panel or on a pushbutton of the call panel or on both of these, extending into the gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical obstruction: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9821982B2Call panel for an elevator

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 KONE OYJ

AI summary

A call panel for an elevator including a call panel frame, an essentially planar front surface, a center panel connected to the call panel frame, and at least one call pushbutton also connected to the call panel frame. The at least one call pushbutton has teeth which fit into corresponding teeth of the call panel frame such that a gap between the at least one call pushbutton and the call panel frame is minimized.