Elevator Fast Start Controller for Reducing Travel Delay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator systems face delays in starting travel due to brake release and motor power supply delays, which increase door-to-door time and can be hazardous, especially in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A fast start controller is integrated into the elevator system, communicating with the elevator control and door mechanism control systems to activate the motor power supply and brake release circuit immediately after the elevator car door is closed, allowing immediate movement upon landing door closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the acceleration and maximum velocity of the elevator car are increased to reduce door-to-door time, then transport capacity is improved, but the current capacity of the motor and power supply circuit must be increased, leading to higher power requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport capacityVSAvoidcurrent capacity of motor and power supply circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The brake is released in advance before the car door is fully closed, and motor power is supplied immediately upon car door closure. This preliminary action sequence allows the elevator to start moving faster without requiring increased motor current capacity, as the power supply is activated at the optimal moment rather than waiting for complete door closure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the speed of movement of the elevator car door and landing door is increased to reduce door-to-door time, then transport capacity is improved, but convenience of use deteriorates and danger situations may arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor-to-door timeVSAvoidconvenience of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brake release and motor power supply are initiated in advance based on door position feedback. The car door closure triggers immediate power supply, and landing door closure triggers movement permission. This timing optimization reduces door-to-door time without requiring faster physical door movement, thereby maintaining safety and convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the brake release and motor power supply are delayed until after complete door closure to ensure safety, then safety is maintained, but start-up delay increases and door-to-door time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidstart-up delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The brake is released preliminarily before car door closure is complete, and motor power is supplied immediately when the car door closes. This eliminates the waiting period between door closure and brake release, reducing start-up delay while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring of door position and brake status

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fast start controller continuously monitors car door position, landing door position, and brake status to determine the optimal timing for brake release and power supply activation. This feedback mechanism ensures safety requirements are met while minimizing delays by activating systems at the precise moment conditions permit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2321211B1Elevator system, and method in conjunction with an elevator system
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 KONE OYJ
  • EP2321211B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2321211B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2321211B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an elevator system and a method for accelerating the starting of travel in an elevator system. The elevator system comprises an elevator control system (1 ) for implementing controlled motion of an elevator car (18); a door mechanism control system (2) for implementing controlled movement of the elevator car door; and a door coupler (3), for forming a mechanical coupling between elevator car door and landing door; and a controller (4) of fast start of travel, which has an input for elevator car position data (5), an input for landing door position data (6), an input for car door position data (7), and at least one output for activating the elevator motor power supply circuit (12) and the elevator brake release circuit (10).