Elevator Controller Assignment During Modernization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems that operate based on hall call fixtures face challenges in modernization to accommodate destination entry requests without causing inconvenience to passengers and building owners, as they need to handle both types of requests efficiently during the transition.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow elevator cars to be modernized to service destination requests outside the car, with a controller assigning cars based on a selected criterion that automatically updates according to the number of modernized cars, balancing assignments between modernized and non-modernized cars to maintain efficient passenger service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elevator cars are modernized to service destination requests outside the car, then the elevator system can handle destination entry requests, but the system complexity increases during the transition period
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the criterion for assigning destination requests to modernized versus non-modernized elevator cars based on real-time conditions. The controller automatically updates the selected criterion as modernization progresses, allowing the system to adapt its operation mode according to the current mix of modernized and non-modernized cars, thereby managing complexity during the transition period
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator system is designed to handle multiple types of requests (both traditional hall calls and new destination entry requests) through a unified control architecture. The controller can process and assign both hall call requests and destination requests to appropriate cars, making the system universal in handling different request types during the modernization transition
2Reliability
If both hall call fixtures and destination entry devices are operational during modernization, then passenger service continuity is maintained, but the control strategy complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically updates the selected criterion for assigning destination requests based on the current number of modernized cars, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts its assignment strategy as modernization progresses, reducing the operational burden while maintaining service continuity through both hall call and destination entry devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes a framework for handling both hall call and destination requests simultaneously, with predefined criteria for assigning requests to modernized or non-modernized cars. This preliminary setup allows seamless operation during the transition period without requiring real-time complex decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method for handling passenger requests during elevator system modernization includes modernizing elevator cars over time. The modernized elevator cars are capable of servicing destination requests placed outside of an elevator car and include an indication of a desired destination. The exemplary method includes assigning an elevator car to respond to a new pending destination request according to a selected criterion for selecting between a modernized elevator car and an elevator car that has not yet been modernized. The method includes automatically updating the selected criterion responsive to a change in a number of modernized elevator cars. A percentage of the elevator cars that are not yet modernized are reserved and new pending requests are assigned to a modernized elevator car if a percentage of modernized cars plus the reserved percentage is greater than a current percentage of pending requests assigned to modernized elevator cars.