Elevator Wireless Communication Antenna System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless local area networks face challenges in providing high-quality data transfer in high-rise buildings with fast-moving elevators due to limited coverage, interference from Doppler effects and metallic structures, and the weight and maintenance issues associated with wired connections.

Innovation Solution

The use of directional and omnidirectional antennas in elevators, adjusted based on speed and location, to optimize data transmission, combined with a mesh network and an elevator controlling system to manage transmission power and data rate, minimizing interference and ensuring reliable communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the transmitting power of the router is increased to extend coverage in high buildings, then the coverage area is improved, but the router may suffocate under the burden of connection requests and mobile stations cannot respond due to power limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the coverage area into multiple segments by deploying multiple access points at different floors of the building. Each access point serves a localized area, preventing any single router from being overwhelmed while collectively providing building-wide coverage. This segmentation allows mobile stations to connect to nearby access points with appropriate power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-point high-power transmission model to a distributed multi-point transmission model across vertical and horizontal dimensions. Access points are strategically placed on multiple floors, creating a three-dimensional coverage network that extends range without requiring excessive power from individual units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If wired connections with optical fibers are used for high speed data transfer in elevators, then data transfer speed is improved, but the cables add weight requiring stronger supporting structures and more energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidcable weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Data transfer between elevator car and building network occurs through wireless signals rather than physical cables, eliminating the weight burden while maintaining high-speed data transfer capabilities through appropriate wireless protocols and antennas.

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

3Ease of operation

If conventional wireless local area networks are used in fast-moving elevators, then wireless connectivity is provided, but the Doppler effect and multipath propagation cause communication problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless connectivityVSAvoidcommunication quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic parameter adjustment to adapt to the changing conditions in moving elevators. Transmission power, frequency selection, and antenna characteristics are dynamically modified based on elevator speed, position, and signal conditions to compensate for Doppler effects and multipath propagation, maintaining reliable communication throughout the elevator's movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution enhances data communication quality within elevators by reducing error rates and interference, allowing seamless connectivity without disrupting other networks, and can be used in multiple elevator shafts with minimal additional weight or maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting data from elevator car... transceiving the communication... using a directional antenna at the elevator with a transceiver located in the end of the elevator shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

omnidirectional antenna is used to communicate with the terminal devices belonging to passengers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

problems for conventional routers are caused by, for example, the Doppler effect of moving elevator car

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3201116B1Wireless communication in an elevator
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 KONE OYJ
  • EP3201116B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3201116B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A data communication arrangement for elevators is disclosed. In the arrangement a directional antenna (12) is used for transmitting data from elevator car. Correspondingly, the counterpart antenna (13) in the end of the elevator shaft is transmitting with a directional antenna. In the elevator a further omnidirectional antenna is used to communicate with the terminal devices belonging to passengers. The properties of antennas may be adjusted based on the speed and location of the elevator car. In addition to the properties of antennas also other transmission characteristics may be adjusted based on the same information.