Elevator Door Control for Reliable Robot Boarding Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous robots face challenges in efficiently boarding elevators due to crowded conditions or other events, which hinder their ability to provide services effectively in buildings.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented elevator control system that receives state information from robots or robot control systems to manage elevator door operations and adjust elevator capacity, ensuring a secure boarding space by maintaining door states and adjusting full capacity based on the number of robots and required areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the elevator is called by a robot using conventional calling methods, then the robot can request elevator service, but the robot may encounter crowded conditions or other events that prevent successful boarding
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the door in an open state after the robot boards, allowing the robot to securely enter before closing. The control system also pre-adjusts the full capacity parameter to account for robot boarding, ensuring the elevator is properly configured before the robot enters. This prevents boarding failures due to capacity issues or door closure interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the robot control system communicates with the elevator control system to transmit state information about the robot's boarding status. The elevator control system receives this feedback and adjusts door control and capacity settings accordingly, enabling reliable coordination between the robot and elevator system.
2Productivity
If the elevator door closes automatically after a preset time, then the elevator operation is efficient, but the robot cannot board or alight if not completed within the time limit
Solution Approach 1:
The door control system dynamically adjusts the door open state based on real-time detection of robot boarding status. Instead of a fixed time limit, the system continuously monitors whether the robot has successfully boarded or alighted and extends the door open state as needed. This dynamic adjustment maintains efficiency while ensuring the robot can complete boarding operations.
3Quantity of substance
If the elevator full capacity is maintained at standard levels, then the elevator can accommodate maximum passengers, but the robot cannot secure adequate boarding space
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the full capacity parameter dynamically based on the presence and requirements of robots. When a robot is detected or planned to board, the control system adjusts the full capacity parameter to allocate additional space, ensuring the robot has adequate boarding area. This parameter adjustment allows the elevator to maintain high capacity for passengers while securing necessary space for robots.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator control system has control over a door of an elevator and, thus, directly controls opening and closing of the door of an elevator which a robot is to board or alight from based on state information of the robot received from a robot control system.