Elevator Ethernet Configuration Management for Node Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face difficulties in integrating new components and functionalities due to the need for additional communication interfaces and protocol stacks, complicating configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A central elevator management system utilizing an Ethernet bus and a configuration manager to facilitate communication among elevator nodes, enabling a unified configuration entity for managing and updating system nodes efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate communication systems with different protocol stacks are used in the elevator system, then each communication system can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity increases and new components cannot be easily integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate communication systems with different protocol stacks into a single unified Ethernet-based communication system. All elevator components (elevator controller, door operator, display devices, sensors) communicate through a common Ethernet bus using standard TCP/IP protocols, eliminating the need for multiple protocol stacks and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal Ethernet communication interface that can handle multiple communication functions through a single protocol stack. The Ethernet bus serves as a multi-functional communication medium that can transmit control signals, status information, configuration data, and real-time monitoring information between all system components using standardized protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new elevator components and functionalities are added to the system, then the system functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for new communication interfaces and protocol stacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal Ethernet interface that can accommodate various elevator components (door operators, display devices, sensors, controllers) without requiring new protocol stacks. All components communicate through the same Ethernet infrastructure using standardized protocols, enabling easy integration of new functionalities while maintaining manageable configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an Ethernet bus as an intermediary communication medium that mediates between all elevator components and the control system. This standardized intermediary layer abstracts the communication complexity, allowing new components to be integrated through standard Ethernet connections without requiring changes to existing protocol stacks or communication architecture.
3Reliability
If multiple separate communication systems are used, then each system can operate independently, but the ease of operation decreases due to multiple configuration tools being required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate configuration tools into a single unified configuration interface that manages all Ethernet-connected components through one tool. The configuration software can configure elevator controllers, door operators, display devices, and sensors through a common Ethernet interface, eliminating the need for multiple specialized configuration tools while maintaining system operational independence.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, there is provided a central elevator management system comprising an ethernet bus, a plurality of elevator system nodes communicatively connected to the ethernet bus and an elevator control unit communicatively connected to the ethernet bus and configured to communicate with the plurality of elevator system nodes via the ethernet bus. The elevator control unit is configured execute a configuration manager providing a management interface for a configuration entity, wherein the configuration manager is configured to receive a configuration update associated with at least one elevator system node from the configuration entity; and transmit configuration data to the at least one elevator system node based on the configuration update.