Elevator Component Identification via Optical Signaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In elevator systems, identifying components using variable IP addresses is challenging, especially when there are multiple identical components in the same location, and wireless signals face difficulties propagating through building materials, making it hard for the control system to recognize and differentiate between them.
Innovation Solution
A data network with network nodes that utilize a light source to generate a light signal, allowing a control unit to associate components with light sensors, enabling the identification of components by controlling light sources based on digital signals and network addresses, even in environments with metal or radio wave attenuating materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless networks (WLAN) are used to connect elevator components, then network flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but reliable identification of individual components becomes difficult due to variable IP addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of light sources and light sensors to bridge the gap between network nodes and component identification. Light sources are assigned to specific network nodes and components, while light sensors detect these optical signals to establish reliable component identification that is independent of variable IP addresses in wireless networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic identification system (relying on variable IP addresses) with an optical identification system. By substituting electromagnetic radio waves with optical light signals, the system achieves stable component identification that is not affected by the dynamic nature of wireless network addressing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple identical components (e.g., shaft doors, car doors) are located in the same place, then system functionality is improved, but individual component identification becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning unique light sources to specific identical components (e.g., individual shaft doors or car doors). Each component has its own optical identifier, allowing the control system to distinguish between identical components based on their local optical characteristics rather than treating them as indistinguishable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical signal variations (analogous to color changes) to differentiate between identical components. By varying the optical signals emitted by light sources assigned to different components, the system can identify and distinguish between multiple identical components through their unique optical signatures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If IP addresses are assigned dynamically by gateway or router, then network adaptability is improved, but component location determination becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-assigning specific light sources to specific network nodes and components during system setup. This preliminary optical assignment creates a stable mapping between physical components and their identifiers, which remains valid regardless of how IP addresses are dynamically assigned or changed in the network.
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 method simplifies the identification of elevator system components during installation and maintenance by using light signals to differentiate between identical doors and determine their positions, reducing errors in control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit of the elevator system controls a light source (4) to generate a light signal (10) indicating the network node (3, 3a, 3b). The component is assigned to a light sensor (5, 5a, 5b) when the light sensor detects the light signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator installation (1) having a data network and to a method for identifying a component of the elevator installation (1). The data network (2) has at least one network node (3), the network node (3) comprising a component (7, 9) of the elevator installation (1). The component (7, 9) of the elevator node (3) is identifiable in such a way that a control unit (11) of the elevator installation (1) controls a light source (4) to generate a light signal (10) for indicating the network node (3). The component (7, 9) is assignable to a light sensor (5) when the light sensor (5) detects the light signal (10), and the assignment of the component (9) is communicated to the control unit (11).