Elevator Car Operating Panel With Plug-In Wall Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator car operating panels require complex and time-consuming manual wiring for maintenance and updates, making them difficult to install and replace, which can be costly and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An elevator car assembly with a user interface panel featuring a releasable electrical connection system using connector portions on the panel and cab walls, allowing for easy installation and replacement without the need for extensive tooling or top-access wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual wiring is used between the COP and junction box, then electrical connection is established, but maintenance complexity increases and installation becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is segmented into modular connector portions: a first connector portion integrated with the COP and a second connector portion integrated with the enclosure. This segmentation allows independent handling and connection of components, eliminating complex manual wiring and enabling simple plug-and-play installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connector portions serve as intermediary elements between the COP and the enclosure's junction box. These standardized connectors simplify the electrical interface, replacing complex wire harnesses with standardized plug-and-play connections that are easy to install and maintain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complete replacement of elevator car enclosure is performed for COP updates, then aesthetic updates and feature additions are achieved, but cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to update COPVSAvoidupdate time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The COP is designed as a separable module with integrated connector portions that interface with the enclosure. This allows the COP to be independently removed, updated, or replaced without affecting the enclosure structure, enabling quick feature additions and aesthetic updates without complete enclosure replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized connector portions provide universal electrical and data interfaces that can accommodate different COP configurations and updates. This universality allows flexible adaptation of the COP for various features and aesthetics while maintaining compatibility with the same enclosure structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If manual wiring procedures are used, then electrical connections are established, but installation time and operational downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoiddowntime
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Connector portions are pre-integrated into the COP and enclosure during manufacturing, with electrical contacts and alignment features prepared in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex wiring procedures during installation, allowing quick plug-and-play connection that significantly reduces installation time and operational downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4279433A1Elevator car assembly
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4279433A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4279433A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4279433A1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5d

AI summary

An elevator car assembly (100) is provided. The elevator car assembly (100) comprises: an elevator car operating panel (106) comprising a user interface (124) on a front surface (108) and a first connector portion (112) on a rear surface (110); and an elevator cab (102) comprising a plurality of elevator cab walls (104) comprising at least one elevator cab wall (104) for mounting the elevator car operating panel (106) thereon, the at least one elevator cab wall (104) comprising a second connector portion (114). The first connector portion (112) is configured to form a releasable electrical connection with the second connector portion (114).