Elevator Hoistway Mechanic Detection from Operational Logs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face challenges in remotely determining if an elevator mechanic is present within a hoistway, which is essential for safe and efficient remote monitoring and operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising local and remote processors that record and analyze operational parameters of the elevator car, creating an operational log to determine if a mechanic is onsite, with alerts issued when the mechanic is present, allowing for safe remote operation and verification of service completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If remote monitoring and operation of elevator systems is implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but safety risks increase due to inability to determine mechanic presence
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring operational parameters (door operations, movement patterns, stop frequencies) and using this data to determine mechanic presence. This feedback loop enables remote systems to adapt operations based on detected presence, resolving the contradiction by maintaining safety while enabling remote productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system that acts as a mediator between remote operators and the physical environment. This intermediary analyzes operational data to infer mechanic presence, allowing remote operation to proceed safely without direct human contact in the hoistway.
2Reliability
If direct contact with mechanic is required to determine onsite presence, then safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to inability to perform remote services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of direct contact verification with an analytical system that substitutes physical presence confirmation with operational data analysis. By analyzing patterns in door operations, movement, and system interactions, the system infers mechanic presence without requiring direct contact, thus maintaining safety while enabling remote service.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary detection system is introduced that bridges the gap between remote operators and mechanic presence verification. This intermediary processes operational parameters and provides safety verification without requiring direct human contact, resolving the contradiction between safety and remote productivity.
3Measurement precision
If operational parameters are recorded at high sample rate, then measurement precision is improved for detecting mechanic presence, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively analyzing operational parameters based on detection needs. Rather than continuously processing all parameters at maximum rate, the system adjusts analysis intensity based on operational context, maintaining sufficient detection precision while reducing unnecessary energy consumption during stable operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic analysis of operational parameters rather than continuous maximum-rate processing. By periodically evaluating key parameters (door operations, movement patterns) at appropriate intervals, the system maintains detection accuracy while consuming less energy during periods when mechanic presence is already determined or operational changes are minimal.
Data Source
AI summary
A system having: an elevator car operationally located in a hoistway of a building; one or more local processors operationally coupled to the elevator car and configured to: record operational parameters of the elevator car based on a sample rate and populate, in chronological order, an operational log of the operational parameters with the operational data; one or more remote processors that are configured to communicate with the one or more local processors, receive the operational log, and execute remote operation of the elevator car unless an elevator mechanic is within the building, wherein an alert is issued upon: the local processor, or the remote processor, analyzing the operational log and determining that the elevator mechanic is within the building; or user input received from a networked computing device indicating that the elevator mechanic is within the building responsive to receipt and analysis of the operational log.