Elevator Dispatch Using Occupancy Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator dispatch systems often dispatch cars based on travel time, leading to situations where cars are sent that are near or full capacity, resulting in decreased traffic flow and increased wait times for passengers.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system that determines the occupant capacity of each elevator car and assigns calls based on available capacity, ensuring that cars with more available space are prioritized for dispatch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If elevator cars are dispatched based on travel time to call location, then response speed is improved, but occupant capacity utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dispatch system dynamically adjusts the selection criteria for elevator cars by incorporating real-time occupancy data. Instead of using a static travel-time-only metric, the system dynamically evaluates both travel time and available capacity, allowing the dispatch algorithm to adapt to changing conditions and select the most appropriate car for each call
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for dispatch decision-making by introducing occupancy level as an additional critical parameter alongside travel time. The dispatch controller modifies the selection criteria to consider multiple parameters (travel time, available capacity, current occupancy) rather than relying on a single parameter, thereby optimizing both response speed and capacity utilization
2Loss of time
If elevator cars near or full capacity are dispatched, then travel time is reduced, but traffic flow deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring occupancy levels of elevator cars and using this information to inform dispatch decisions. The dispatch controller receives real-time feedback on car occupancy and adjusts dispatch assignments accordingly, ensuring that cars with available capacity are selected, which maintains smooth traffic flow and prevents bottlenecks
Solution Approach 2:
The dispatch system dynamically balances the trade-off between travel time and traffic flow by adjusting dispatch priorities based on real-time occupancy conditions. When cars are near full capacity, the system dynamically shifts to select cars with more availability, even if travel time is slightly longer, thereby maintaining overall system productivity and traffic flow
3Productivity
If elevator cars with smallest travel time are assigned, then response efficiency is improved, but wait times for passengers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the dispatch parameter set by incorporating passenger wait time considerations alongside travel time and occupancy. The dispatch controller evaluates multiple parameters including current car occupancy, travel time, and estimated passenger wait time, selecting the car that optimizes the overall system performance rather than minimizing only travel time
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from occupancy sensors and call request data to continuously refine dispatch decisions. By monitoring real-time occupancy levels and passenger demand patterns, the system adjusts dispatch assignments to minimize passenger wait times while maintaining efficient response, creating a feedback loop that optimizes both productivity and customer satisfaction
Data Source
AI summary
A method for dispatching a plurality of elevator cars that includes receiving a call for at least one of the plurality of elevator cars. The call is from a first location of a plurality of locations. The method includes determining an occupant capacity for each of the plurality of elevator cars by determining a number of occupants within the plurality of elevator cars and determining a number of calls assigned to the plurality of elevator cars and positioned between a current location of the plurality of elevator cars and the first location. The method includes assigning the call from the first location to a first elevator car with an available occupant capacity that is greater than the occupant capacity of the plurality of elevator cars.