Elevator Door Lock Reset Switch Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for resetting an elevator control from inspection mode to normal mode are cumbersome and require additional hardware, making them difficult for service technicians to perform safely and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a specific moving sequence of the door lock from lock to open position and back within a given time period, monitored by the elevator control, which changes the status of the reset switch from lock to open and back to lock, allowing for a simple hardware-based reset without additional lock positions, and ensuring the access door is closed during the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional reset device inside a locked cabinet is used, then the reset function is secure, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of reset functionVSAvoidcomplexity of reset mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door lock is made multi-functional by programming it to recognize a specific moving sequence (lock-to-open-to-lock within a given time period) that triggers the reset function. This eliminates the need for a separate reset device inside the locked cabinet, reducing device complexity while maintaining security through the existing lock mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The door lock itself performs the reset function by monitoring its own movement sequence. The lock contains a reset switch that detects when it is moved in the specific sequence and automatically triggers the elevator control to reset from inspection mode to normal mode, eliminating the need for additional reset hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If an additional lock position is added for reset function, then the reset capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity of door lock
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a static additional lock position, the system uses dynamic sequencing of the existing lock positions. The reset function is triggered by the temporal sequence and speed of moving the lock between its standard positions, allowing versatile reset capability without modifying the physical lock structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reset function is activated by changing parameters of the existing lock operation: the moving sequence (lock-to-open-to-lock), the time period (within a given time window), and the speed of operation. This allows enhanced functionality without adding physical lock positions, maintaining ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a complex reset procedure is used, then the security is maintained, but the ease of operation and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of reset processVSAvoidsimplicity of reset procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reset procedure uses periodic action through the repetitive lock-to-open-to-lock sequence performed within a specific time window. This rhythmic, standardized sequence is easy to remember and execute, improving ease of operation while maintaining safety through the programmed recognition of the correct pattern by the elevator control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3056460B1Method for resetting an elevator control from inspection mode to normal mode
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 KONE OYJ
  • EP3056460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3056460B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3056460B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an access door arrangement (12, 14) of an elevator shaft wherein at least one elevator car is moving, the access door arrangement comprising a door lock (16; 40), whereby in connection with the door lock a reset switch (30,; 46) of an inspection mode resetting device is located, whereby the door lock has a lock part (18;50) movable between a lock position (26) and an open position (25) and whereby the reset switch is integrated in said door lock to be operated by the movement of the movable lock part or a related movable part. This solution allows an easy resetting of the inspection mode of the elevator.