Elevator Dispatch Reassignment Based on Real-Time Car Occupancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems inefficiently reassign calls based on mechanical or electrical failures, leading to dispatching cars at near or full capacity, resulting in decreased traffic flow and increased wait times for passengers.
Innovation Solution
A dispatch system that utilizes a dispatch controller to determine the relative occupant capacity of elevator cars and reassesses assignments based on available capacity, redirecting cars to optimize passenger loading and minimize full cars, using counter devices to count occupants and motion controllers to track car positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If elevator cars are reassigned based on shortest travel time or location proximity, then response speed to call requests is improved, but elevator cars are dispatched at near or full capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The dispatch system dynamically adjusts reassignment criteria by incorporating real-time occupant capacity data. Instead of using static criteria like shortest travel time alone, the system continuously monitors elevator car occupancy and adapts reassignment decisions based on current capacity status, allowing the dispatch strategy to evolve with changing system conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring occupant capacity of elevator cars and using this information to adjust reassignment decisions. The dispatch controller receives feedback on car occupancy status and modifies dispatch behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual system state
2Reliability
If elevator cars are dispatched based on traditional error detection alone, then system reliability is maintained, but traffic flow decreases and wait times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters used for reassignment decisions from traditional binary error-based criteria to include continuous occupant capacity data. By incorporating capacity as a reassignment parameter, the system maintains reliability through error detection while improving productivity through capacity-aware dispatch optimization
3Object-affected harmful factors
If reassignment is based solely on mechanical or electrical failure detection, then system safety is ensured, but passenger wait times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary reassignment actions based on predicted capacity issues before they become critical problems. By proactively monitoring occupancy trends and pre-positioning elevators based on capacity data, the system prevents wait time increases while maintaining safety through continued error monitoring
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for reassigning a first elevator car of a plurality of elevator cars that includes dispatching the first elevator car from a current location to a first destination location to pick up an occupant at the first destination location. The method includes determining the first elevator car stopped at an intermediate location positioned between the current location and the first destination location. The method further includes determining a number of occupants within the first elevator car is greater than at least a second elevator car of a plurality of elevator cars after the first elevator car stopped at the intermediate location, and directing the first elevator car to a second destination location different from the first destination location.