Elevator Data-Power Cable Layout for Simpler Terminal Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems require complex cable routing and customization for power and data connections, increasing installation complexity and cost due to the need for floor-specific cables.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system that uses a single electrical power cable for both power and data transmission, utilizing modulation circuitry to facilitate communication between elevator controllers and operating terminals, eliminating the need for individual cable lengths and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power cables and data cables are used for each operating terminal, then reliable power supply and data communication are achieved, but cable routing complexity and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single electrical power cable by using modulation circuitry to encode data signals onto the power cable's electrical signals. This merging eliminates the need for separate data cables at each operating terminal, significantly reducing cable routing complexity while maintaining both power supply reliability and data communication capabilities through the unified cable infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical power cable is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously provides electrical power to operating terminals and transmits data communication signals. The modulation circuitry enables the power cable to carry both functions without interference, making the cable a universal medium for both energy and information transfer throughout the elevator system.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom-made cables with specific lengths are used for each floor, then precise connection to switches and terminals is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and inventory management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized cable length serves multiple floors by utilizing the existing electrical power cable infrastructure. The modulation circuitry at each operating terminal enables data communication over this shared cable without requiring individual custom-length data cables for each floor, thereby eliminating the need for precise custom cable manufacturing while maintaining proper connection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data communication function from the physical cable infrastructure, allowing data signals to be transmitted through the electrical power cable using modulation techniques. This separation of data transmission from dedicated data cables eliminates the need for custom-made data cables of specific lengths for each floor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more operating terminals are added to serve more floors, then elevator system coverage is improved, but the number of cables and routing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple operating terminals share a single electrical power cable for both power supply and data communication. The modulation circuitry at each terminal enables independent data transmission over the shared cable infrastructure, allowing the system to expand to serve more floors without proportionally increasing the number of cables required.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical power cable serves as a universal communication medium for all operating terminals in the elevator system. This multi-functional use of the power cable eliminates the need for additional dedicated data cables when expanding system coverage to new floors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces cable complexity and installation time by using a shared power cable for both power and data, allowing for standardized cable lengths and efficient integration of operating terminals without additional switches.
Implementation Method 1
modulation circuitry coupled to the first communications port of the elevator controller and the pins of a first cable connector and configured to feed data signals from the first communications port into the electrical power cable and to extract data signals from the electrical power cable
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system has an electrical power cable that extends essentially inside an elevator shaft and is coupled to a power supply configured to output a voltage of a predetermined value. An elevator controller and a plurality of operating terminals are coupled to the electrical power cable. Each operating terminal is configured to receive electrical power from the power supply and to send and receive data signals via the electrical power cable in connection with an elevator call entered by a user at an operating terminal. The elevator controller is configured to send and receive data signals via the electrical power cable in connection with the elevator call.