Elevator Landing Door Servicing Control System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for opening elevator landing doors during servicing are insecure, as they rely on freely available triangular keys, which can be misused by unauthorized personnel, and involve additional costs and aesthetic issues due to the need for multiple keyholes and mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method where the elevator is switched to servicing mode, allowing a pre-agreed opening code from a floor level to prevent locking of the landing door and drive the elevator car to a predetermined height, using a separate controllable actuator or partially closing the doors to create a safe gap without the need for additional keyholes or mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a triangular key mechanism is used to open landing doors during servicing, then the landing door can be opened when the elevator car is not exactly at the floor level, but unauthorized persons can misuse the freely available keys to access the hoistway or damage the elevator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to open landing door during servicingVSAvoidsafety against unauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical triangular key system with an electronic control system. The control unit receives a signal from the servicing employee (e.g., via button sequence or card access) and electronically activates the door unlocking mechanism, eliminating the need for physical keys that can be misused.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the servicing employee and the door locking mechanism. Instead of direct mechanical key insertion, the control unit processes authentication signals and mediates the unlocking action, adding a layer of security control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If additional keyholes and opening mechanisms are installed in the architrave and door panels for triangular key access, then the landing door can be opened from floor levels, but the visual appearance of the elevator is degraded and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelanding door opening capabilityVSAvoidvisual appearance of door area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the door opening function with existing elevator control elements (such as call buttons or control panels already present in the door area). By integrating the servicing access function into existing structures, no additional holes or mechanisms are needed, preserving the aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Existing control panels or buttons in the door area are given multiple functions: their original function plus the additional function of initiating door opening during servicing mode. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated opening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the landing door is opened when the elevator car is not exactly at the floor level, then servicing procedures can be performed from the roof of the elevator car, but there is a safety risk if the car position is not precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservicing access flexibilityVSAvoidsafety of servicing operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously receives feedback signals from position sensors that monitor the elevator car's location. Based on this real-time position information, the control unit determines whether it is safe to open the landing door, ensuring the car is at the correct floor level before allowing door opening during servicing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time conditions. The door opening capability is not static but is enabled or disabled by the control unit based on current car position, servicing mode status, and safety conditions, allowing flexible yet safe operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3464148B1Method and arrangement for opening the locking of a landing door of an elevator
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 KONE OYJ
  • EP3464148B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3464148B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP3464148B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Method for opening a landing door in an elevator, which elevator comprises at least a control system, a lockable space, such as the control cabinet (1) of the elevator, an elevator car (8) arranged to move reciprocally in the elevator hoistway (7), a plurality of landing doors (10) and which elevator has means for opening a landing door of the elevator. When the elevator is not in normal drive mode a predetermined opening code is given from the desired floor level (11) to the control system of the elevator, with which opening code a program sequence is initiated, with which the elevator car is driven to the desired floor level, after which the car door (9) and the landing door (10) are opened and also closed in such a way that at least the landing door (10) remains ajar.