Elevator Control via Building Door Signal Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems have limited functionality in modern buildings, failing to meet user expectations for safety and comfort, particularly when integrated with building doors and electronic or electromechanical door locks.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system with a control and interface device that receives door signals from building doors and generates control signals based on user-defined elevator usage rules, allowing personalized control over elevator operations in response to building door activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If building doors with electronic or electromechanical door locks are used, then safety is improved, but functionality and user comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The building door system is enhanced with a door sensor and communication interface, enabling it to perform multiple functions: traditional locking/safety functions plus elevator call initiation. The door opening action triggers both the door lock mechanism and generates an electrical door signal to the elevator controller, making the door system universal in its functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An electrical door signal acts as an intermediary between the building door and the elevator system. The door sensor detects door opening and converts this mechanical action into an electrical signal that communicates with the elevator controller, enabling seamless integration without complex direct coupling.
2Ease of operation
If traditional elevator operating terminals are used, then elevator control functionality is provided, but user comfort and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the building door itself initiates the elevator call automatically when opened. Users simply need to open their door to trigger the elevator sequence, eliminating the need for them to manually press buttons or interact with elevator terminals, thus providing effortless convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator system is pre-configured with door opening detection capability and automatic call initiation logic. When a user opens their door, the system has already been prepared to detect this action and automatically generate the appropriate elevator call sequence, eliminating the need for users to perform additional actions.
3Ease of operation
If door opening initiates elevator call automatically, then user convenience is improved, but loss of information about user intent occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user through the communication interface, informing them that the elevator has been called and is coming. This feedback loop confirms system understanding of the user's door opening action and keeps the user informed about the elevator's status, preventing information loss about user intent.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator call initiation system is dynamic and adaptable. It can recognize different door opening patterns and contexts, adjusting its response accordingly. The system maintains flexibility in interpreting user intent while providing automated service, allowing it to adapt to various usage scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system has an elevator controller, an elevator car, and elevator operating devices, which are communicatively coupled to the elevator controller by a communication network. The elevator controller receives an electrical door signal via the communication network, which indicates that a building door of a building is opening and/or closing. A control and interface device is communicatively coupled to the elevator controller and has a communication device which can be coupled to an external communication network to exchange data with a communication apparatus of a person using the building. The data relate to an elevator usage rule set by the person. The control and interface device can store the elevator usage rule in a memory device and, upon receipt of the door signal, generate a control signal corresponding to the elevator usage rule. The elevator controller can operate the elevator system according to the control signal.