Elevator Control via Building Door Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems require users to manually actuate calls for both starting and destination floors, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially for those carrying luggage or entering/exiting buildings/apartments.

Innovation Solution

An elevator system that automatically detects the opening and closing of building doors to initiate a start call and automatically opens the elevator door, using sensors and recognition devices to determine the start floor and predefined destination calls, allowing users to travel without manual input, with the option to change destination calls via contactless devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual actuation of start and destination calls is required, then the system operates reliably with simple controls, but the ease of operation deteriorates and time loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elevator system automatically detects door opening/closing events and autonomously actuates start calls and destination calls without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by monitoring door sensor signals and automatically generating the necessary call sequences, eliminating the need for users to press buttons or make selections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-stores destination call information associated with each start floor in the elevator control memory. When a door event is detected, the elevator control immediately retrieves and actuates the pre-stored destination call without requiring real-time user input, thereby performing the destination selection action in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If automatic call actuation is implemented, then time loss is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloss of timeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elevator control system automatically monitors door sensor signals and autonomously actuates start calls and destination calls without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by detecting door events and immediately generating the necessary call sequences, eliminating waiting time for user actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical button-pressing action is replaced by an automated electronic control system that detects door sensor signals and automatically actuates calls. This substitution of mechanical user interaction with electronic automation reduces time loss while increasing control system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If door sensors and automated control are added, then productivity is improved and loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elevator system uses door sensors to automatically detect user presence and autonomously actuates start and destination calls without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates idle time between door opening and elevator dispatch, thereby improving productivity despite adding sensor and control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Destination call information is pre-stored in the elevator control for each start floor. When a door event is detected, the system immediately actuates the pre-prepared call sequence without requiring real-time user input or decision-making, thereby improving response time and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Streamlines the user experience by eliminating the need for manual actuation of start and destination calls, saving time and reducing fatigue, while allowing for flexible destination changes and efficient travel.

Implementation Method 1

A door sensor allocated in particular to the building door detects the opening and/or closing of the building door

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Implementation Method 2

At least one elevator sensor detects the arrival of the elevator car in the start floor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS8833525B2Method and system for operating an elevator system responsive to movement of building door

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 INVENTIO AG

AI summary

A method including: detecting movement of a building door on a floor of a building; based on the detected movement of the building door, defining the floor of the building as a start floor for an elevator trip with an elevator system in the building; and based on the detected movement of the building door, placing a predefined destination call for the elevator trip. The detecting can include determining that a passenger is passing through the building door. A system for performing the method includes: a sensor; an elevator installation in the building; and a control unit coupled to the sensor and to the elevator installation, and configured to detect the door movement using the sensor, define the floor of the building as the start floor, and place a predefined destination call for the elevator trip.