Elevator Control Device Using Multi-Pattern Input Elements

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional elevator systems require replacement or redesign of input devices when functionality is expanded, leading to increased costs and reduced user-friendliness due to limited assignability of input commands to each element.

Innovation Solution

A control device for elevators that allows multiple control commands to be assigned to a single input element through different actuation methods, such as varying durations or sequences, enabling flexible expansion without physical redesign.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the functionality of an elevator system is expanded by increasing the number of input elements, then the number of possible input commands increases, but the installation space requirement increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of input commandsVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Each input element is designed to execute multiple functions by recognizing different actuation patterns. A single input element can respond to single clicks, double clicks, long presses, and combination presses, each triggering different control commands. This multi-functionality allows the system to support expanded functionality without adding physical input elements, thereby reducing installation space requirements while increasing the number of available input commands

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of input elements is increased to accommodate expanded functionality, then more control commands can be input, but user-friendliness deteriorates due to smaller and/or closer input elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of input commandsVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The input elements maintain their physical size and spacing while gaining multiple functions through pattern recognition. Users can interact with each element in various ways (single click, double click, long press, combination press) to access different commands, eliminating the need to reduce element size or increase density. This preserves ease of operation while enabling expanded functionality

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional input devices are replaced with new ones having more input elements, then expanded functionality is achieved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of input commandsVSAvoidcosts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves expanded functionality by modifying the control logic to recognize multiple actuation patterns from existing input elements, rather than replacing input devices with larger ones. This software-based approach to multi-functionality significantly reduces costs compared to hardware replacement, while still providing access to an expanded set of control commands

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

4Ease of operation

If each input element is assigned only one input command, then the system is simple to operate, but adaptability deteriorates when functionality needs to be expanded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of operationVSAvoidexpandability of functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each input element maintains its primary single-command function for simple operation, while simultaneously supporting additional commands through alternative actuation patterns. The control device intelligently distinguishes between different user intentions based on the actuation pattern, allowing the system to remain simple for common operations while being highly adaptable when expanded functionality is needed

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

Data Source

PatentEP4013710B1Control device for an elevator system
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR INNOVATION AND OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP4013710B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4013710B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device for an elevator system, which control device has an input device (100) for the inputting of control commands into the control device by a user, the input device (100) having at least one first input element (112a-112f, 114, 116) that can be actuated by the user, characterized in that a first control command can be input into the control device by means of the input device (100) by actuating the input element (112a-112f, 114, 116) in a first predefinable manner and a second control command different from the first control command can be input into the control device by means of the input device by actuating the input element (112a-112f, 114, 116) in a second predefinable manner.