Elevator Ride Quality Simulator Using Motion Platform

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating elevator ride quality are limited to existing installed systems, making it difficult to test and adjust parameters without matching configurations, and require offline testing or customer visits to experience potential elevator systems.

Innovation Solution

A ride quality elevator simulator system that includes a motion platform with actuators to simulate elevator car movement along multiple axes, audio, and visual controls to recreate elevator experiences, using machine learning to analyze parameters and generate operational ranges for immersive simulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ride quality assessment is performed on existing installed elevator systems, then the assessment reflects actual ride quality, but the parameters cannot be adjusted to determine optimal ride quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveride quality assessment accuracyVSAvoidparameter adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simulated elevator system that replicates the essential components and ride characteristics of real elevators. This virtual copy allows comprehensive parameter adjustment and testing without requiring multiple physical elevator installations, enabling both accurate assessment and flexible parameter modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The simulation system enables dynamic adjustment of elevator parameters such as hoistway materials, guide rails, ropes, belts, braking systems, and dampeners. Users can modify these parameters to determine their impact on ride quality metrics without physical changes to actual elevator systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple elevator systems with different parameters are tested to find optimal ride quality, then parameter optimization is possible, but the complexity and cost of testing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter variabilityVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation system serves multiple functions: it can test various elevator parameters, assess ride quality metrics, compare different configurations, and provide predictive analytics. This single multi-functional platform replaces the need for multiple separate physical test systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual simulation environment acts as an intermediary between theoretical parameter design and physical elevator implementation. It mediates the testing process by providing a virtual space where parameters can be adjusted and evaluated before committing to physical construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If offline testing or customer visits are required to experience potential elevator systems, then actual ride experience can be obtained, but the time and convenience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveride experience authenticityVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation system performs preliminary ride quality assessment and customer experience demonstration before actual elevator installation. This allows stakeholders to evaluate and approve elevator configurations in advance, avoiding the need for time-consuming on-site testing after installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical mechanical testing with computational simulation. Instead of requiring customers to physically visit and ride in potential elevator systems, the simulation provides a virtual ride experience that conveys the same sensory information about ride quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the immersive testing and optimization of elevator ride quality parameters, allowing customers to experience potential systems without needing matching existing elevators, and facilitates parameter adjustments for improved ride quality.

Implementation Method 1

the simulation control element comprises a platform having an actuator, wherein the elevator car is arranged on the platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectActuator:

Data Source

PatentUS10997873B2Ride quality elevator simulator

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

An elevator simulator is provided. Aspects includes an elevator car and a simulation control element associated with the elevator car and being configured to perform an elevator ride simulation for the elevator car. Aspects also include a simulation controller configured to perform the elevator car simulation by operating the simulation control element to simulate an elevator ride for the elevator car.