Elevator Light Curtain Status Feedback for Passenger Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light curtains used in elevator systems provide limited information for accurate passenger counting and control, as they only issue a 'door may close' signal that is not suitable for detailed passenger calculations, leading to imprecision due to photoelectric cell delays and limited signal duration.
Innovation Solution
Adapting the light curtain with a data transfer unit and configuring the control unit to send status information of receivers and transmitters during photoelectric cell delays, allowing the elevator control system to request and analyze this information for adjusting operating modes and issuing control commands, thereby enhancing passenger counting and optimizing elevator operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional light curtain is used to monitor door opening, then safety monitoring is provided, but the information available for passenger counting is insufficient and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously provides feedback about receiver status information to the elevator control system via data transfer connection, enabling real-time passenger counting and door control adjustments based on actual light curtain detection data
Solution Approach 2:
A data transfer connection serves as an intermediary between the light curtain control unit and the elevator control system, enabling efficient transmission of status information without requiring direct complex integration
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light curtain provides only a 'door may close' signal, then the control system is simple, but accurate passenger calculations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The light curtain control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring door opening for safety, providing detailed status information for passenger counting, and enabling optimized door control operations, all through a standardized data transfer interface
3Reliability
If photoelectric cell delay is used in the light curtain, then safety is ensured by preventing premature door closing, but the signal duration is limited and reduces control responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts door control timing based on real-time receiver status information from the light curtain, allowing the door to close sooner when no obstacles are detected while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring during the photoelectric cell delay period
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
This adaptation enables more precise passenger counting and optimized elevator operation by providing detailed status information, allowing for quicker door operations and improved safety through enhanced control and reduced photoelectric cell delays, facilitating easier use, especially when carrying loads.
Implementation Method 1
A light curtain is generally used to monitor the opening of a moving door
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator, wherein the status information of the receivers (12), and possibly also of the transmitters (11), of a light curtain of the elevator is transmitted from the control unit (13) of the light curtain (1) as a response (R) to a query (Q) or as messages (S), and wherein the control system (15) of the elevator car is configured to receive the responses (R1, R2,...) or status information (S1, S2,...) and to analyze i) the status information contained therein of at least one receiver (12) or ii) the status information contained therein of at least one receiver (12) and of at least one transmitter (11) relating to it, for changing or adjusting the operating mode of the elevator or for giving a control command to the operating system (18) of the elevator.