Elevator Control Arrangement Integration in Door Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems face challenges in maintaining and controlling the elevator control arrangement due to the complex installation and high material costs associated with separating the power electronics unit from the elevator control unit, which generates significant waste heat and electromagnetic interference, making maintenance difficult and costly.

Innovation Solution

Integrating the power electronics unit within the elevator control arrangement in a confined space, where waste heat is dissipated into the elevator shaft, and using a cooling air duct with conductive walls for shielding and heat dissipation, reducing the need for separate wiring and power supplies, and allowing for easier replacement and adjustment during factory assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the power electronics unit is arranged in the elevator shaft near the drive, then the waste heat can be dissipated, but the maintenance becomes considerably more difficult and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste heat dissipationVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power electronics unit and elevator control unit into a single integrated control arrangement housed in the same chamber within the door frame. This merging allows both units to be maintained together as one assembly, significantly improving maintenance ease compared to having them separated in different locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control arrangement serves multiple functions: it houses both the power electronics unit for motor control and the elevator control unit for system regulation, provides a common power supply, and offers unified maintenance access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate maintenance procedures and lowers overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If the power electronics unit is arranged in the elevator shaft, then waste heat can be dissipated, but extensive cabling and separate power supplies are required increasing installation outlay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste heat dissipationVSAvoidcabling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the power electronics unit and elevator control unit into the same chamber, the patent eliminates the need for extensive cabling between separate locations. Power and signal connections are localized within the integrated assembly, dramatically reducing installation complexity and material requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control arrangement provides universal power supply and control functions within a single housing, eliminating the need for separate power supply systems and reducing the overall cable infrastructure required for elevator operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If the door frame cross-section is made very small, then the dimensions do not appear dominant, but the chamber volume for housing control units is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor frame appearanceVSAvoidchamber volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests both the power electronics unit and elevator control unit within the same chamber space, efficiently utilizing the limited volume. The units are arranged in a compact configuration where smaller components are positioned within or adjacent to larger ones, maximizing space utilization without increasing the door frame cross-section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension and internal chamber space efficiently by arranging units at different heights and positions within the constrained cross-sectional area. This three-dimensional arrangement allows adequate housing for both units without increasing the external dimensions of the door frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of repair

If the elevator control arrangement is installed in a vertical door frame member, then maintenance is facilitated, but the chamber volume is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidchamber volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests both control units within the vertical door frame chamber, utilizing the vertical space efficiently. The elevator control unit and power electronics unit are positioned to maximize accessibility for maintenance while fitting within the constrained chamber volume defined by the vertical door frame geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 integration reduces material costs, simplifies installation, and minimizes maintenance efforts by eliminating the need for extensive cabling and separate power supplies, while effectively managing heat and interference, ensuring efficient operation and reduced downtime.

Implementation Method 1

using a cooling air duct with conductive walls for shielding and heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

waste heat is dissipated into the elevator shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

using a cooling air duct with conductive walls for shielding and heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP2714569B1Lift shaft cover with a lift control arrangement
Publication Date: 2016.02.03 INVENTIO AG
  • EP2714569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2714569B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2714569B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a door frame (14) of a lift-shaft termination (1) which separates a lift shaft (11) of a building from a storey (9) of the building. A lift-monitoring arrangement (18, 28, 38, 48) is arranged in a chamber (16) of the door frame (14), wherein the lift-monitoring arrangement (18, 28, 38, 48) contains a lift-control unit (20) and at least one power-electronics unit (21) for operating a lift motor.