Elevator Ethernet Communication for Unified Landing Node Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern elevator systems face inefficiencies due to the use of multiple different communication stacks and physical layers, leading to a complicated and inefficient data transmission solution.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an ethernet bus with a controller and elevator system nodes connected via multi-drop or point-to-point ethernet bus segments, utilizing connecting units like switches to facilitate communication, and a method for setting up new landing nodes by transmitting configuration data through the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different internal data transmission solutions are used in the elevator system, then different communication needs can be met, but the system becomes complicated and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a single Ethernet-based communication infrastructure that can handle multiple different communication needs and protocols. The Ethernet bus and Ethernet switches provide a universal platform that replaces multiple specialized communication stacks, allowing diverse devices (call buttons, displays, safety circuits, intercom systems) to communicate through a common network infrastructure, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate communication systems into a unified Ethernet-based network. Instead of having separate communication stacks for different devices, the invention combines them all onto a single Ethernet bus architecture with standardized Ethernet switches, integrating previously fragmented communication pathways into one cohesive system that simplifies installation and maintenance.
2Productivity
If a centralized configuration system is implemented, then configuration efficiency is improved, but the system requires more complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration system that acts as a mediator between the installer and the elevator devices. This configuration system communicates with devices through the existing Ethernet infrastructure, automatically discovering devices and pushing configuration data to them. The intermediary nature of this system allows centralized management without requiring complex point-to-point configuration connections, as all configuration activities flow through the Ethernet network using standard protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system enables devices to be automatically configured without manual intervention. When a new device is added to the Ethernet network, the configuration system automatically discovers it, retrieves the appropriate configuration data, and pushes it to the device autonomously. This self-service capability dramatically improves configuration efficiency while relying only on the basic Ethernet infrastructure already in place.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet switches are used as connecting units, then communication flexibility is improved, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ethernet switches provide universal connectivity that can accommodate various communication requirements (point-to-point, multi-drop, daisy-chain configurations) through a single device type. Rather than requiring different specialized connecting units for different communication topologies, the patent uses Ethernet switches as a universal interface that handles all connection types, reducing the variety of components needed and thereby controlling costs while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2~3B
AI summary
According to an aspect, there is provided an elevator communication system. The system comprises an ethernet bus; a controller communicatively connected to the ethernet bus and being configured to communicate via the ethernet bus; a plurality of elevator system nodes communicatively connected to the ethernet bus and being configured to communicate via the ethernet bus, wherein each elevator system node is associated with a respective landing; a landing bus segment at each landing, the landing bus segment being connected to the elevator system node associated with the landing; landings nodes at each landing connected to a respective landing bus segment. Each elevator system node of the plurality of elevator system nodes is provided with a connecting unit to enable communication between the ethernet bus and the respective landing bus segment.