Automated Elevator Floor Assignment via Position Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for setting floor assignments of operating units in elevator installations are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring manual configuration of switches on each floor, which is costly and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves moving the elevator car to each floor, activating the operating unit, transmitting position data from a sensor unit to the operating unit or central control unit, and storing this data in a memory unit, allowing for automated configuration without manual switch setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual switch configuration is used on each floor for setting floor assignments, then the setting process can be performed with simple equipment, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical switch configuration system with an automated data transmission system. The control unit automatically transmits floor assignment data to operating units via a communication bus, eliminating the need for manual switch setting while dramatically increasing setting speed and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The operating units automatically receive and store floor assignment data from the control unit without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-configuration through automated data transmission and storage, reducing labor requirements while maintaining equipment simplicity
2Device complexity
If manual switch configuration is used on each floor, then equipment costs are reduced, but the process requires more personnel and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical switch configuration with an automated electronic data transmission system. The control unit transmits floor assignment data automatically to operating units through a communication bus, eliminating time-consuming manual operations while keeping the overall system relatively simple
3Device complexity
If manual switch setting is performed by fitters on each floor, then no additional automated equipment is needed, but the process is prone to human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual switch configuration with automated electronic data transmission. The control unit automatically sends floor assignment data to operating units, eliminating human error in the configuration process while maintaining appropriate automation levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates acknowledgment signals where operating units confirm receipt of floor assignment data to the control unit. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate data transmission and storage, significantly improving setting reliability by verifying each configuration step
4Productivity
If automated data transmission is implemented for floor assignment, then setting speed and accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes an existing communication bus system that serves multiple functions in the elevator control system. By repurposing this existing infrastructure for floor assignment data transmission, the patent achieves automated configuration without adding significant system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the floor assignment configuration function with the existing communication bus infrastructure. Instead of creating a separate dedicated transmission system, the configuration data is merged into the existing communication protocol, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high configuration speed
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method for adjusting the floor allocations of a number of operating units (50-57) of a lift installation (20) entails travelling the lift car (30) to a predetermined floor (11,13,15,17), activating the operating unit associated with that floor, transmitting position data, which describe the floor in which the operating unit is located, by a transmitting unit to the operating unit and/or to the central control unit (40), and storing the position data in a memory unit (60) of the operating unit and/or in the central control unit.