Elevator Evacuation Control via Landing Input Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator systems require firefighters to manually operate evacuation procedures after arriving at the building, leading to inefficiencies in emergency evacuations.
Innovation Solution
An elevator apparatus with an evacuating operation inputting means on landings, allowing a fire warden to input a command signal for the elevator controller to initiate evacuation operations, prioritizing the movement of passengers to the evacuation floor during emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firefighters manually operate evacuation procedures after arriving at the building, then evacuation operation can be performed, but it takes time to complete the evacuating operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the evacuating operation inputting means on landings and pre-configuring the elevator controller to automatically execute evacuation operations when activated. This eliminates the need for firefighters to manually operate the elevator after arrival, as the system is already prepared and can be immediately activated by a simple input signal from the landing, significantly reducing evacuation time while maintaining reliability
2Ease of operation
If firefighters board the car and perform evacuating operation after arrival, then rescue operation can be conducted, but it delays the evacuation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the elevator system to automatically perform evacuation operations once activated. The input means on the landing initiates the sequence, and the controller autonomously manages car movement, door operations, and prioritization logic without requiring firefighter intervention inside the car. This maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving evacuation efficiency by eliminating delays associated with manual operation
3Reliability
If conventional fire evacuation procedure is used with manual operation, then evacuation can be performed, but waiting passengers cannot be prioritized efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a system where the elevator controller continuously monitors landing inputs and car status, then automatically adjusts operations based on this information. When the evacuating operation inputting means is activated on a landing, the controller receives feedback about passenger presence and automatically prioritizes picking up waiting passengers before proceeding to the evacuation floor, optimizing evacuation speed while maintaining reliable operation
Data Source
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AI summary
In an elevator apparatus, a car that is raised and lowered through a hoistway. Operation of the car is controlled by an elevator controller. An evacuating operation inputting means into which an evacuating operation command signal is inputted to make the car perform an evacuating operation is disposed on at least one landing. The elevator controller makes the car perform the evacuating operation in response to the evacuating operation command signal from the evacuating operation inputting means during an emergency evacuation.