Elevator Group Dispatch With Dynamic Sector Reassignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator systems often operate with fixed sectors that do not adapt to changing traffic patterns, leading to inefficiencies and increased wait times, particularly in buildings with multiple elevator groups.

Innovation Solution

A control system dynamically reassigns elevator cars to sectors based on traffic intensity, time of day, and passenger priority, allowing for flexible sector organization and optimized resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If elevator cars are organized into fixed groups serving fixed sectors, then the system structure is simple and stable, but the system cannot adapt to changing traffic patterns leading to increased wait times and reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to traffic patternsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sector assignment where elevator cars can be reassigned to different sectors based on real-time traffic conditions. The control system continuously monitors traffic patterns and dynamically adjusts which elevator serves which sector, transforming the static sector assignment into a dynamic, adaptive system that responds to changing demands throughout the day

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (sector assignments) based on traffic intensity and patterns. By monitoring traffic conditions and adjusting sector assignments accordingly, the system modifies its operational parameters to optimize performance for different traffic scenarios without requiring physical system changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If each elevator car serves the overall length of the elevator shaft, then every floor can be serviced directly, but the travel time and energy consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice efficiencyVSAvoidtravel time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the building into multiple sectors with sector assignment, where each elevator car is assigned to serve a specific sector rather than the entire building. This segmentation allows elevators to operate over shorter distances within their assigned sectors, reducing travel time and increasing service efficiency while still providing comprehensive coverage through the group of elevators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If sectors remain unchanged due to physical constraints, then the system is stable and easy to operate, but traffic intensity variations cause inefficiencies and longer wait times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts sector assignments based on traffic conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying traffic intensities while maintaining ease of operation through automated control. The dynamic reassignment occurs transparently to users, preserving operational simplicity while significantly improving system efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3546407B1Super group dispatching
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3546407B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3546407B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3546407B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of operating a building elevator system within a building having a plurality of floors is provided. The method including: controlling a building elevator system comprising a first elevator system having a first elevator car, a second elevator system having a second elevator car, and a third elevator system having a third elevator car, the first elevator car is configured to serve a plurality of floors within a first sector, the second elevator car is configured to serve a plurality of floors within a second sector, and the third elevator car is configured to serve a plurality of floors within the first sector and the second sector; detecting at least one of a time of day, an intensity of traffic between the first sector and the second sector, and an intensity of traffic within each sector; and assigning the third elevator car to the first sector or second sector.