Elevator Control System Fire Alarm Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elevator systems are not effectively integrated into building evacuation procedures, as occupants are typically instructed to use stairs during emergencies, and existing fire emergency control systems for elevators do not efficiently utilize elevator systems for evacuation purposes.
Innovation Solution
A building elevator system with a control system that determines the estimated time of arrival of the elevator car at a floor and communicates this information to a fire alarm system, allowing for coordinated evacuation operations, including displaying the estimated time of arrival on each floor and transmitting elevator status and fire alarm information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elevators are excluded from evacuation procedures and occupants use stairs only, then safety is maintained by avoiding potential fire hazards in elevator shafts, but evacuation efficiency and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elevator system with the fire alarm system by establishing operative communication between them. The control system transmits real-time elevator status information (location, floor, operational state) to the fire alarm system, enabling integrated monitoring and coordinated evacuation management. This integration allows elevators to be safely incorporated into evacuation procedures while maintaining fire safety protocols.
2Productivity
If real-time elevator status information is transmitted to the fire alarm system, then evacuation coordination and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serving the elevator is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only controls elevator operations but also acts as an information source for the fire alarm system. By transmitting existing operational data (floor position, door state, movement status) to the fire alarm system, the control system provides dual functionality without requiring completely separate dedicated equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive elevator status information is provided to rescue personnel, then evacuation decision-making is improved, but information transmission requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and transmits only the most critical elevator status information needed for evacuation decision-making. Rather than transmitting all possible operational parameters, the fire alarm system receives essential data including elevator location, current floor, door state, and operational status. This selective extraction of vital information provides sufficient decision-making support while minimizing communication overhead and system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A building elevator system including: a building having multiple floors; an elevator system within the building, the elevator system having an elevator car; a control system configured to control the elevator system, the control system determines an estimated time of arrival of the elevator car at a floor; and a fire alarm system within the building and in operative communication with the control system; wherein the control system transmits the estimated time of arrival of the elevator car to the fire alarm system.