Elevator Controller Messaging for Automated Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator systems often require unnecessary maintenance and repairs due to preset schedules, leading to additional costs and time consumption for mechanics, as existing remote monitoring technologies still necessitate on-site visits for diagnosis and correction.

Innovation Solution

An elevator system equipped with a controller and message transceiver that determines component conditions and sends SMS notifications to a remotely located mobile station, allowing for automated responses to address issues without on-site mechanic intervention, utilizing wireless communication for remote maintenance and repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If preset maintenance schedules are used, then maintenance is performed regularly, but maintenance is performed before it is necessary, increasing cost and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance timing accuracyVSAvoidmechanic time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors elevator component conditions and provides real-time feedback to the control system. When a component parameter deviates from normal ranges, the system automatically generates a maintenance alert, enabling maintenance to be performed only when actually needed rather than following fixed schedules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The elevator system performs self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring its own components and automatically detecting when maintenance is needed. This eliminates the need for external monitoring systems or scheduled inspections, as the system serves its own maintenance needs through automated condition assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If on-site mechanic visits are required for diagnosis and repair, then accurate diagnosis can be made, but additional time and cost are incurred for travel and on-site work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A message transceiver system acts as an intermediary between the elevator control system and the mechanic's mobile device. The control system transmits diagnostic data and condition information remotely to the mechanic, who can then provide guidance without needing to physically visit the site, thus maintaining diagnosis accuracy while eliminating travel time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of on-site mechanic visits with an electronic communication system. Instead of a mechanic traveling to the elevator location to diagnose problems, the system uses electronic message transmission to convey diagnostic information and receive remote guidance, substituting physical presence with digital communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If remote monitoring is implemented, then on-site visits can be reduced, but automated response capability is limited without on-site intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidautomated response capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The elevator control system is equipped with automated response capabilities that allow it to take corrective actions without human intervention. When a component condition indicates a problem, the system can automatically adjust parameters, reset components, or modify operation to address the issue, enabling the system to service itself remotely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where condition monitoring data is continuously analyzed and automatically translated into corrective actions. The control system receives feedback from component sensors and automatically adjusts system parameters or component states to maintain optimal operation, creating an automated response loop that eliminates the need for on-site intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9580276B2Elevator system with messaging for automated maintenance
Publication Date: 2017.02.28 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • US9580276B2 patent drawing
  • US9580276B2 patent drawing
  • US9580276B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An exemplary elevator system includes a controller that is configured to determine a condition of at least one elevator system component. A message transceiver is coupled with the controller. The message transceiver is configured to send a notification message to a remotely located mobile station that includes an indication of the condition determined by the controller. The message transceiver is configured to receive a response message from the remotely located mobile station that indicates how the controller can address the determined condition.