Elevator Door Timing Control for Variable Passenger Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator doors often close too quickly, causing inconvenience and safety hazards for passengers, especially when multiple passengers are entering or exiting, particularly those with mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic elevator door control system that adjusts door operational time based on the number of passengers, including special accommodations, using sensors and mobile devices to gather data and adjust door closure times dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If door close time is fixed and short, then elevator operational efficiency is improved, but passenger safety and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed door close time to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The door close time is continuously adjusted based on real-time detection of passenger presence and movement status. Sensors monitor whether passengers are still entering or exiting the elevator, and the door close time is extended accordingly, resolving the contradiction between operational efficiency and passenger safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensor systems that continuously monitor passenger movement and provide information to the control system. The feedback loop detects when passengers are still in the process of entering or exiting, and automatically adjusts the door close time to prevent premature door closure, thereby maintaining both safety and efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If door close time is extended for more passengers, then passenger convenience is improved, but elevator operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts door close time based on the actual number of passengers and their movement status. Rather than using a fixed extended time that would reduce efficiency, the door close time is optimized in real-time to match the actual boarding/alighting duration, maintaining passenger convenience without unnecessary delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of door close time from a fixed value to a variable that adapts to different passenger loads and movement speeds. The control system modifies the door close time parameter based on sensor data, allowing the system to optimize between convenience and efficiency for each specific situation.
3Device complexity
If door close time is fixed, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different passenger needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door control system performs self-adjustment based on sensor feedback without requiring manual intervention or complex external control. The system automatically detects passenger presence and movement, and autonomously modifies the door close time, achieving adaptability while keeping the control logic relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to different passenger needs automatically. Sensors detect various passenger conditions (movement speed, presence in the elevator well, etc.) and the control system responds by adjusting door close time, providing versatility without requiring complex pre-programming for each scenario.
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
Enhances passenger safety and convenience by ensuring doors remain open long enough for all passengers to board or exit safely, accommodating varying passenger needs and mobility conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the special accommodation can be determined by at least one sensor utilizing image recognition technology that detects a mobility aid
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for dynamic elevator door control is provided. The method is implemented by a system (200), which includes an elevator (207). The system procures passenger data, which can include a number of passengers presently travelling to a floor and a number of passengers awaiting to board at the floor. A determination is made by the system (200) with respect a door operational time based on the passenger data. The system (200) implements the door operational time to dynamically cause doors (209) providing access to the elevator (207) to remain open for a duration of the door operational time.