Elevator Data Network Chain Topology for Low-Latency Telegram Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data networks in elevator systems experience significant time delays and inefficiencies in data transmission over long distances due to the need for repeated signal amplification and processing, especially when using Ethernet-based components designed for short distances, which inhibits fast and reliable communication.

Innovation Solution

A chain-like data network topology is implemented with a master unit and slave units connected in series, allowing data telegrams to be transmitted and returned without modification on the outward path, with slave units storing data content during the return path, and using a flexible datagram region for data storage, enabling quick and efficient data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If Ethernet-based components designed for short distances are used in elevator systems, then standard components can be utilized, but significant time delays occur in data transmission over long distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuse of standard componentsVSAvoidtransmission delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The data transmission process is segmented into outward path and return path. During the outward path, data telegrams are forwarded without modification. During the return path, slave units store and append their data content. This segmentation allows standard Ethernet components to be used while achieving fast transmission by avoiding repeated processing at each node.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Slave units perform preliminary actions by storing data content in memory during the outward path or before the return path begins. This preliminary storage eliminates the need for real-time data generation or complex processing during the return transmission, reducing overall transmission delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Length of stationary object

If signal amplification and processing is performed at each node in the data network, then data can be transmitted over long distances, but transmission speed decreases due to repeated processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoiddata transmission speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission path is divided into outward path and return path with distinct functions. The outward path handles only forwarding without modification, while the return path handles data storage and appending. This segmentation eliminates repeated processing at each node, maintaining high transmission speed over long distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The data storage and processing function is extracted from the forwarding path. Slave units store their data content in memory separately before appending it during the return path. This extraction eliminates the need for complex real-time processing at each forwarding node, enabling fast transmission over long distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional data network topology is used with individual sensor wiring to the controller, then each sensor can be addressed individually, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual sensor addressingVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple data transmission functions are merged into a single serial data network. The network combines forwarding, storage, and data appending operations into one unified communication path. This merging eliminates complex individual wiring for each sensor while maintaining the ability to address and identify individual slave units through their positions in the serial chain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The serial data network serves multiple functions: it transmits data from all slave units, provides individual addressing through position identification, enables bidirectional communication, and supports both forwarding and storage operations. This multi-functionality replaces complex individual wiring with a single versatile communication bus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12479692B2Method and data network for communicating data content, in particular in an elevator system

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 INVENTIO AG

AI summary

A method and a data network for communicating data content, particularly useful in an elevator system, includes a master unit and a plurality of slave units that are connected to one another via data communication paths to exchange data telegrams having a large number of bits between one another. The master unit and the slave units are connected in series to form a chain via the data communication paths wherein a data telegram is transmitted from the master unit to a last slave unit on an outward data path. The last slave unit initiates a data return path by returning the data telegram to the master unit. The data telegram is modified by the slave units exclusively during the data return path and at least one slave unit begins to compile information requested by the master unit immediately after receiving and evaluating the data telegram.