Elevator Remote Monitoring via Relay-Based Controller Poking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elevator monitoring systems require physical technician presence for diagnosis, are difficult to remotely control, and lack unified data management across different manufacturers, leading to inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a field board and computing platform device connected to an elevator controller, enabling remote monitoring and control through relay switches and sensors, with a centralized server for data processing and unified data management across multiple elevator systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a technician is physically present at the lift device to diagnose problems, then accurate operational performance assessment is achieved, but response time is increased and security vulnerabilities arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical presence of a technician with an electronic monitoring system comprising sensors, processors, and communication devices that remotely assess operational performance of lift devices, eliminating the need for physical intervention while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computing platform as an intermediary between the lift device and the technician, enabling remote data collection and analysis through various sensors and communication interfaces, thus reducing response time while preserving diagnostic capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple service providers are used for different lift devices, then device coverage is improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal computing platform that can interface with multiple different lift devices from various manufacturers through standardized communication protocols, enabling a single service provider to manage diverse equipment without increasing data management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent consolidates data from multiple service providers and lift devices into a single centralized database managed by the computing platform, unifying previously fragmented data management operations and simplifying access to operational information
3Loss of time
If remote control capability is added to elevator controllers, then response time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into separate functional modules: a computing platform for remote command generation, a field board for local processing, and relay switches for actuation, distributing complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it in the elevator controller
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a field board as an intermediary device between the remote computing platform and the elevator controller, handling the complexity of relay switch control and signal processing locally while keeping the elevator controller itself relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
Typically a technician is physically present to investigate a malfunction of an elevator system. Devices, systems and methods are provided for actively monitoring one or more lift devices, such as elevators and escalators. A computing system for electrically controlling an elevator controller, includes: a field board electrically connected to an elevator controller, and the field board communicates with a computing platform device, which in turn is connected to a server over the Internet. The field board includes relay switches that are electrically connected to the elevator controller. The server sends poking commands that triggers a relay switch to open or close, which causes the elevator controller to generate a call signal to move the elevator to an upper or a lower floor. If the elevator does not move according to a poking command, then a malfunction is reported.