Elevator Modernization via Serial Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator modernization methods often result in a temporary reduction of transport capacity, leading to long waiting times and inconvenient transfers, as existing technologies struggle to efficiently integrate new components with old systems without disrupting service.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a destination call terminal and control system that communicates directly with the existing elevator control via a serial interface, allowing for the generation and transmission of start and destination floor signals, enabling efficient car allocation and minimizing downtime during modernization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing elevator components are exchanged during modernization, then technological outdatedness is resolved, but transport capacity is reduced and waiting times increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetechnological outdatednessVSAvoidtransport capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The modernization process is segmented into independent phases: first installing the destination call terminal and control system, then progressively updating elevator components. This allows the system to modernize technology while maintaining operational elevators throughout the process, avoiding complete transport capacity loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The destination call terminal and control system are installed in advance before exchanging elevator components. This preliminary action enables the system to maintain modern communication capabilities and dispatch functions even while physical elevator cars are being replaced, minimizing disruption to transport capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If existing floor terminals and car terminals are replaced by destination call terminals, then call input functionality is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall input functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The destination call terminal serves multiple functions: it acts as both a floor call terminal and a car call terminal, consolidating what were previously separate devices. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation by providing unified destination-based calling while actually reducing the number of separate terminal devices needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The destination call control acts as an intermediary between the destination call terminal and the existing elevator control system. It translates destination calls into appropriate floor and car call signals, simplifying the integration process and masking the underlying system complexity from users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If communication lines are identified and connected with inputs and outputs of call detection unit, then connectivity is established, but installation time and error risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The destination call control automatically identifies and connects with the existing elevator control system through the available serial interface without requiring manual identification of communication lines. The system self-configures the connection, eliminating time-consuming manual wiring identification and reducing installation errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The solution uses an existing serial maintenance interface that already exists in the elevator control system, copying its communication protocol and structure. This avoids the need to create entirely new communication connections, significantly reducing installation time and error risk while maintaining reliable connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Ease of manufacture

If serial maintenance interface is used for communication, then existing interface is reused, but communication protocol is used for different purpose

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface reuseVSAvoidprotocol usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The serial maintenance interface is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its original purpose for system maintenance and a new purpose for destination call communication. The destination call control adapts the existing protocol to carry destination call information, allowing one interface to fulfill multiple functions without requiring dedicated new communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10112799B2Elevator installation modernization using an existing interface

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 INVENTIO AG

AI summary

An elevator installation for serving at least one floor in at least one building can be modernized, the elevator installation comprising at least one elevator with at least one elevator car and at least one elevator control. At least one destination call terminal for input of at least one destination call and/or for recognition of at least one identification code is installed on at least one input floor. At least one destination call control is installed. The destination call terminal is, for communication of the destination call signal, connected with the destination call control. The destination call control can be connected to the elevator control through a serial interface of the elevator control.