Elevator Remote Signaling for Exceptional Situation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator systems lack effective monitoring solutions to detect exceptional situations, such as wear and tear, allowing for timely maintenance and spare part procurement, especially in large distances where visual cues may be overlooked.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a remote signaling element like a warning light, activated by sensor signals, which can be acknowledged by operators and automatically logged, combined with evaluation logic for sensor signal analysis and prediction, and an alarm system for immediate notification, ensuring timely intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional monitoring methods are used without remote signaling, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect and respond to exceptional situations at a distance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexceptional situation detectionVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote signaling element as an intermediary device that receives signals from the control device and displays exceptional situations visually at a distance. This mediator allows operators to monitor elevator status without being physically present at the control device, resolving the contradiction between reliable remote detection and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to monitoring by placing the signaling element at a remote location separate from the control device. This dimensional separation allows operators to detect exceptional situations from a distance, improving reliability without requiring complex remote communication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If continuous monitoring with immediate alerts is implemented, then response time to exceptional situations is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic monitoring where the control device checks sensor signals at regular intervals rather than continuously. The remote signaling element is activated periodically when exceptional situations are detected, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective response time through scheduled monitoring cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If detailed sensor monitoring and evaluation logic are added, then measurement precision of system state is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem state detection accuracyVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex evaluation logic and detailed monitoring functions into a separate control device, leaving the main elevator system simple. The control device handles sophisticated sensor signal analysis while the remote signaling element provides simple visual output, separating complexity from the core elevator mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables early recognition and response to exceptional situations, minimizing downtime by alerting personnel and facilitating proactive maintenance and spare part ordering, even when service personnel are not on site.

Implementation Method 1

At least one warning lamp, for example a warning lamp in the form of a rotating beacon or a rotating mirror lamp, preferably functions as a remote signaling element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3131843B1Method for operating an elevator installation and elevator control device operating according to the method
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 INVENTIO AG
  • EP3131843B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3131843B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3131843B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an elevator installation, an elevator control device, and a radio unit for carrying out the method, and to a system having such an elevator control device and a mobile radio unit. The invention relates to a method for operating an elevator installation (10) and to an elevator control device (16) operating according to the method, wherein, by means of at least one sensor (30) allocated to the elevator installation (10) and by means of a sensor signal (38) obtainable therefrom, a state of the elevator installation (10) is automatically detected, wherein, in dependence on the detected state, an activation signal (42) is automatically generated and wherein, by means of the activation signal (42), a remote signaling element (44) is automatically activated.