Elevator Mesh Proxy-Transceiver for Moving Card Reader Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator systems face connectivity challenges due to the mobility of access control devices, such as card readers, which move in and out of Bluetooth range, making remote communication and configuration updates difficult.

Innovation Solution

A system is implemented with a stationary proxy-transceiver connected via a wired data line to a movable card reader, facilitating communication through a mesh network, ensuring reliable data transfer and updates even when the elevator is in motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wireless network (Bluetooth) is used for communication between the card reader and access control system, then the card reader can communicate wirelessly, but the card reader moves in and out of Bluetooth range when the elevator doors open and close, causing connectivity issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proxy-transceiver as an intermediary device that remains stationary in the elevator shaft and communicates with both the moving card reader and the stationary access control system. This mediator device relays communications between the card reader and access control system, ensuring continuous connectivity regardless of the card reader's position or wireless signal strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the card reader is mounted on the moving elevator, then it can provide access control on the lift, but it becomes difficult to remotely communicate with the reader for maintenance and updates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control functionality on moving liftVSAvoidremote maintenance capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy-transceiver serves as a communication intermediary that enables remote maintenance by relaying data between the moving card reader and stationary maintenance equipment. This allows firmware updates, configuration changes, and diagnostics to be performed remotely without requiring physical access to the elevator-mounted reader.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a predetermined wired communication path through the proxy-transceiver before maintenance is needed. This pre-configured communication channel ensures that maintenance can be performed at any time without disrupting the card reader's operational mobility or requiring special arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If access control parameters need to be updated remotely, then maintenance efficiency improves, but the system requires reliable communication infrastructure that the moving card reader lacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy-transceiver provides a stable communication intermediary that enables efficient remote parameter updates. By routing all communications through this stationary device, the system achieves reliable infrastructure for remote maintenance while the card reader remains mobile and functional.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3822209B1Elevator system with mesh network having proxy-transceiver
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3822209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3822209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3822209B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for connecting a first device (240a) that is configured for moving to a non-moving network, comprising: transmitting data over a wired data line (330) from the first device (240a) to a second device (240g), wherein the second device is stationary; transmitting the data from the second device over a wireless network (300); receiving further data by the second device from the wireless network; and transmitting the further data from the second device to the first device.