Elevator Robot Boarding Control Using Reflection Plate Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous moving apparatuses face challenges in seamlessly integrating with existing elevator systems, requiring significant modifications to both the apparatus and the elevator system for communication and operation, which is undesirable for easy installation in existing facilities.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous moving apparatus control system that includes a range sensor, reflection plate, and control unit, allowing the apparatus to determine whether it can get on or off the elevator based on detected distances, with adjustable reflection plate configurations for varying floor levels and elevator door states, ensuring safe and efficient operation without altering the existing elevator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct communication between autonomous moving apparatus and elevator system is implemented, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflection plate as an intermediary object that mediates between the range sensor on the autonomous moving apparatus and the elevator door. Instead of implementing complex direct communication protocols between the apparatus and elevator control system, the system uses optical reflection from the plate to convey distance information, enabling indirect but reliable control through a simple physical intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic communication and control systems with a simple optical measurement system. By using a range sensor to detect the reflection plate's position and infer distance to the elevator door, the system substitutes sophisticated digital communication protocols with straightforward optical physics-based measurement, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing elevator system is modified to accommodate autonomous moving apparatus, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adaptation solution into two separate segments: modifications to the autonomous moving apparatus (adding range sensor and control logic) and modifications to the elevator environment (placing reflection plate). This segmentation allows the apparatus to be adapted without requiring changes to the existing elevator control system, maintaining installation ease while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the elevator system to recognize and communicate with the autonomous moving apparatus, the patent inverts the approach by equipping the apparatus with sensors to detect the elevator environment. The apparatus actively measures distance to the elevator door using the reflection plate, rather than the elevator system passively accommodating the apparatus through complex modifications.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reflection plates are disposed on respective elevator-stop floors with different distances, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring reflection plates with specific distance characteristics tailored to each elevator-stop floor's requirements. Each floor's reflection plate is positioned at an optimal distance that accounts for local conditions such as floor level differences and elevator car positions, enabling precise distance measurements adapted to each specific location rather than using a uniform configuration.
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 easy installation and operation of autonomous moving apparatuses with elevators, ensuring safe and efficient getting on/off operations without modifying the existing elevator system, accommodating varying floor levels and door states.
Implementation Method 1
The range sensor is installed in a cage of an elevator and detects a distance to an object by receiving reflected light of signal light applied to the object
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous moving apparatus control system including a range sensor, a reflection plate, and a control unit. The range sensor is installed in a cage of an elevator and detects a distance to an object by receiving reflected light of signal light applied to the object. The reflection plate is disposed in an elevator hall of a floor on which the elevator stops, and reflects the signal light. The control unit determines whether or not a mobile robot, which is an autonomous moving apparatus, can get on and off the elevator based on a detected distance, the detected distance being a distance to the reflection plate detected by the range sensor.