Elevator Control Device Differentiating Contact and Non-Contact Triggering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-contact elevator control devices, such as those using infrared or capacitive induction, can only detect objects within a specific distance range and fail to accurately differentiate between contact and non-contact triggering, particularly for individuals who may find non-contact methods inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An elevator control device equipped with a TOF sensor and a micro switch, where the processor analyzes proximity signals with distance information to determine button triggering, using specific distance ranges and time sequences to differentiate between contact and non-contact interactions, and includes LED lights for visual feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If non-contact sensors (infrared or capacitive induction) are used for elevator control, then contactless operation is enabled, but the system cannot accurately differentiate between contact and non-contact triggering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless operationVSAvoidtriggering differentiation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both non-contact sensors (infrared/capacitive) and contact sensors (micro switches) into a single control device. The processor integrates signals from both sensor types to determine button triggering, enabling the system to accurately differentiate between contact and non-contact operations while maintaining both operation modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both contact and non-contact triggering methods. The button structure supports both push-contact operation and proximity detection, making the device universally applicable to users who prefer either contact or contactless operation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If only non-contact sensors are used, then contactless triggering is achieved, but false triggers occur and contact triggering cannot be accurately detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless triggeringVSAvoidtriggering accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously receives and analyzes signals from both non-contact sensors and contact sensors. By comparing proximity signals with contact switch signals, the system can verify actual button triggering and eliminate false triggers, improving overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-sensor configuration provides preliminary verification before triggering is registered. The contact sensor acts as a verification mechanism that prevents false non-contact triggers, while the non-contact sensor provides early detection capability for legitimate proximity-based operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Measurement precision

If dual sensors (non-contact and contact) are integrated, then both contact and non-contact triggering can be detected, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetriggering detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both sensor types share common structural elements including the button panel, spring member, and printed circuit board. The non-contact sensor is mounted on the back side of the button panel, while the micro switch is integrated into the same assembly, reducing overall device complexity despite the dual-sensor configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The button structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical element for contact triggering, a mounting surface for the non-contact sensor, and a reflective surface for proximity detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Accurately identifies both contact and non-contact button triggering, reducing false triggers and providing a user-friendly experience for individuals who may prefer non-contact methods, such as the visually impaired.

Implementation Method 1

the non-contact sensor is a TOF sensor capable of sensing a distance from an object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3992131B1Elevator control device, method of determining triggering of the elevator control device, and elevator system

Publication Date: 2024.08.28 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

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AI summary

The present disclosure provides a control device, a method for determining triggering of a control device, and an elevator system. The control device includes a control panel including a plurality of buttons, and the buttons include: a non-contact sensor (12), which is capable of sensing the approaching of an object (5) and generating a proximity signal; and a micro switch (42), which is capable of generating a contact signal when the button is pressed. The device and method according to the present disclosure can identify contact triggering and non-contact triggering.