Elevator Control Parameter Optimization via Digital Twin Simulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems face challenges in achieving precise control data optimization, particularly during modernization, due to varying customer-specific configurations and the need for manual data recording of third-party systems, leading to potential vibration and noise issues and inefficient parameter set determination.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a three-dimensional digital double dataset created through component model data sets, which are configured with default, target, and actual values, allowing for simulation-based determination of optimized control parameters for elevator systems, even without physical presence, using a programmable device and computer program product.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual data recording is used for third-party elevator systems, then technician expertise is reduced, but data acquisition time and potential for errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of data recordingVSAvoiddata acquisition time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The existing elevator control system automatically provides its own configuration data through integrated measurement runs. The system self-determines floor heights, travel times, and movement profiles without external intervention, eliminating manual recording requirements and reducing both time and error potential.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual data recording by technicians is replaced with an automated measurement system that integrates with the elevator control system. The system uses electronic sensors and processors to automatically capture configuration data, replacing the mechanical process of manual observation and transcription.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If parameter sets are extrapolated from test systems, then development cost is reduced, but configuration-related problems occur in actual installations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevelopment costVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automated measurements during the initial operation of the elevator to capture actual configuration data before final parameter optimization. This preliminary data collection ensures that subsequent parameter determination is based on real installation characteristics rather than extrapolations, improving configuration accuracy while maintaining cost efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where measured configuration data from actual installations is used to automatically adjust and optimize parameter sets. This closed-loop approach ensures that parameter determination is continuously refined based on real-world performance data, eliminating the need for costly rework while maintaining development efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If on-site testing is performed to adjust parameter sets, then control data precision is improved, but system availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol data precisionVSAvoidsystem availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

All necessary configuration measurements and parameter optimizations are performed in advance during initial system setup and commissioning. By completing precision adjustments before full operational deployment, the system achieves high control data precision without requiring subsequent on-site testing that would reduce availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital replica or model of the elevator configuration based on automated measurements, allowing virtual testing and parameter optimization without physical on-site testing. This digital copying approach enables precision parameter determination while maintaining continuous system availability for normal operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3966147B1Method for acquiring and processing data of an elevator system
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 INVENTIO AG
  • EP3966147B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3966147B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3966147B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (151) and to a device (1) for optimizing control data of the elevator controller (41) of an existing or modernized elevator system (11). The elevator controller (41) is connected to a programmable device (101). A three-dimensional digital doppelganger data set (111), which can be produced by means of a computer program product (109), is loaded, as a simulation environment (250), onto the programmable device (101), which digital doppelganger data set models and simulates the existing or modernized elevator system (11) associated with the elevator controller (41). By testing the elevator controller (41) in the simulation environment (250), a parameter set (207) adjusted for operation in the simulation environment (250) can be determined for the elevator controller (41) of the existing or modernized elevator system (11).