Dynamic Elevator Inspection Scheduling via Risk Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting and maintaining elevating devices, such as elevators, are inflexible and unable to adapt to missed or delayed inspections, leading to potential safety risks due to fixed schedules and resource limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically determine a risk score for elevating devices based on historical and operational data, adjusting inspection schedules and tolerances according to the elapsed time since the last inspection, categorizing devices as high, medium, or low risk, and calculating inspection intervals using exponential functions to prioritize urgent inspections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed inspection schedule is used, then inspection planning is simple, but the system cannot adapt to missed or delayed inspections
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection scheduling system transitions from a static fixed schedule to a dynamic adaptive schedule that automatically adjusts based on elapsed time since last inspection. The system calculates risk scores using exponential functions that increase with time, enabling automatic adaptation when inspections are missed or delayed without requiring manual intervention or complex decision-making processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of inspection timing from fixed intervals to variable intervals based on risk score calculations. By using exponential risk functions where risk increases with elapsed time, the system dynamically adjusts inspection urgency based on actual device status and time since last inspection, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Reliability
If inspections are conducted frequently to ensure safety, then reliability improves, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different inspection frequencies to different elevators based on their individual risk profiles. High-risk elevators receive more frequent inspections while low-risk elevators receive less frequent inspections. This local differentiation of inspection quality and frequency optimizes both safety and resource utilization by concentrating resources where they are most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for extended inspection intervals for low-risk elevators, effectively skipping unnecessary inspections while maintaining safety standards. The exponential risk function enables the system to identify when the risk of failure remains below acceptable thresholds, permitting longer intervals between inspections and reducing resource consumption without compromising reliability.
3Reliability
If missed inspections are handled on an ad hoc basis, then flexibility is maintained, but systematic risk management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of elapsed time since last inspection for each elevator. This feedback drives automatic risk score recalculations using exponential functions, which then trigger appropriate actions (scheduling adjustments, alerts, or enforcement mechanisms). This closed-loop feedback system provides systematic risk management while maintaining operational flexibility through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection scheduling system serves itself by automatically detecting missed inspections, calculating updated risk scores, and adjusting future schedules without human intervention. The exponential risk functions automatically quantify the impact of delays and trigger appropriate responses, enabling the system to manage its own compliance and risk profile while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator device having a computer system associated therewith for determining a risk of failure in the elevator device and for determining an inspection schedule to mitigate the risk. The computer system includes a module for determining an acceptable risk score, a module for determining an inspection schedule based on said risk score, a module for determining an increase in risk score proportional to a time elapsed since an expected inspection in the inspection schedule if the expected inspection has been missed, a module for determining a tolerance within the inspection schedule based on the increased risk, and a module for specifying an inspection schedule and an inspection tolerance based on the determined schedule and the determined tolerance.