Elevator Car Operating Panel Door Selection Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional car operating panels (COPs) for elevators with multiple doors are costly, space-intensive, and do not allow selection of which door to open at a destination floor, posing challenges in air draft prevention and emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A COP featuring a decimal keyboard for inputting destination floor numbers and at least two door selection buttons to choose the door to open, with a predetermined waiting period for door selection input, and optional motivation signals to aid passengers in selecting the correct door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional COP with one push button for each access to a floor through each car door is used, then door selection capability is provided, but the COP requires substantial space and incurs high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The decimal keyboard is designed to serve multiple functions: it can input destination floor numbers directly (0-9) and also serve as a door selection interface when combined with the door selection button. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate push buttons for each door-access combination, significantly reducing the COP's space requirements while maintaining full door selection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the destination input function and door selection function into a single integrated interface. The decimal keyboard and door selection button work together as a unified system where the keyboard inputs the destination and the button selects the door, merging what were previously separate functions into one compact unit
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional COP with one push button for each access to a floor through each car door is used, then door selection capability is provided, but the COP incurs substantial hardware and wiring costs
Solution Approach 1:
The decimal keyboard performs multiple functions: direct floor number input and door selection when paired with the door selection button. This eliminates the need for numerous specialized push buttons and their associated wiring, significantly reducing hardware costs while maintaining door selection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standardized decimal keyboard design (similar to telephone keypads) that can be mass-produced and easily integrated, rather than requiring custom-designed push buttons for each specific door-access combination. This standardization reduces manufacturing complexity and cost
3Area of stationary object
If a decimal keyboard is used for inputting destination floor numbers, then the COP is space-saving and cost-effective, but it does not enable selecting which car door is to be opened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the decimal keyboard with a door selection button to create an integrated interface. The keyboard handles destination input while the button handles door selection, and both functions work together within the same compact unit, providing both space efficiency and door selection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The door selection button acts as an intermediary between the decimal keyboard and the elevator control system. When a passenger inputs a destination via the keyboard and presses the door selection button, this combination signals the system to open the appropriate door at that destination, bridging the gap between simple numeric input and complex door control
4Ease of operation
If multiple car doors are opened simultaneously, then passenger access to multiple areas is enabled, but air drafts are generated and emergency safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines which door to open based on real-time conditions and passenger selection. The COP interface allows passengers to actively select their preferred door, and the control system adapts its behavior accordingly, opening only one door at a time to prevent air drafts while still providing access control flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to passengers through the COP interface, allowing them to see which door will be opened and to make an informed selection. This feedback mechanism ensures passengers understand the single-door-opening constraint while still having control over which door opens, maintaining safety while preserving ease of operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A car operating panel (13) for an elevator car (3) having at least two car doors (5, 9) is presented. The car operating panel (13) comprises a decimal keyboard (19) for inputting a selectable destination floor number, and at least two door selection buttons (21, 23) for inputting a door selection indicating which one of the car doors (5, 9) is to be opened upon reaching a selected destination floor.