Elevator Car Foil Interface for Curved Wall Control Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional car operating panels for elevators face challenges such as space requirements, compatibility with curved side walls, and servicing issues like cleaning without damaging electrical components.

Innovation Solution

An interface comprising a foil attached to the wall surface of an elevator car, with pressure-sensitive sensors embedded in the foil, connected to an interface controller that transmits user requests to the car controller, allowing for seamless integration with the elevator car's wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If conventional car operating panels with push buttons and electrical components are mounted to a side wall, then the panel can provide elevator control functions, but the wall thickness and space required for mounting increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewall thicknessVSAvoidpanel functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible foil containing pressure-sensitive sensors that can be attached directly to the wall surface. This thin film structure eliminates the need for thick mounting panels while maintaining full elevator control functionality through the flexible interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical push buttons with pressure-sensitive sensors that detect force application. This substitution allows the interface to be implemented as a thin foil rather than a thick mechanical panel, reducing wall thickness requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of repair

If conventional car operating panels are mounted to side walls, then the panel can be accessed by users, but servicing and cleaning of the panel becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel servicingVSAvoidpanel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the sensing function (embedded in the foil) from the mounting structure (attached to the wall). This segmentation allows the foil to be easily removed, replaced, or cleaned independently from the wall structure, simplifying servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foil interface can be easily replaced if damaged or soiled, rather than requiring complex repair of a permanently mounted panel. This approach simplifies maintenance by allowing quick replacement of the entire foil assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional car operating panels are mounted to side walls, then the panel can provide control functions, but compatibility with curved side walls is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewall shape compatibilityVSAvoidpanel mounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible foil can conform to curved wall surfaces, providing full adaptability to different wall geometries. This eliminates the need for complex rigid mounting structures required by conventional panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The foil interface is flexible and adaptable to dynamic or varying wall shapes, including curved surfaces. This dynamic property allows the same interface design to work across different elevator car configurations without requiring complex custom mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The interface reduces the thickness of the wall required for electrical components, simplifies assembly and servicing, and is compatible with curved and decorated walls, enhancing the structural integrity and usability of the elevator car.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pressure-sensitive sensor configured for receiving user requests by an application of a pressure to the at least one sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-sensitive sensing: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4139239B1Interface for operating an elevator car, elevator car and method of producing an elevator car

Publication Date: 2025.01.29 INVENTIO AG

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Figure 3~4B
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AI summary

Interface (100,500) for operating an elevator car (560), comprising an interface controller (110); a foil (120) for attachment to a wall surface (152) of a wall (150) of the elevator car (560), the wall surface (152) facing an inside of the elevator car (560); and at least one pressure-sensitive sensor (130) configured for receiving user requests by an application of a pressure to the at least one sensor (130); wherein the at least one sensor (130) is connected to the interface controller (110), the interface controller (110) being configured for transmitting the user requests received by the at least one sensor to a car controller (558) of the elevator car (560); and wherein the at least one sensor (130) is embedded in the foil (120).