Elevator Control Device with Segmented Call Input for Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems do not adequately cater to passengers with mobility limitations while maintaining ease of use for those without, as they often require complex input methods that may not be accessible or intuitive for individuals with physical disabilities.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an elevator operating device with two separate call input devices: a touch-sensitive screen or electromechanical keys for passengers without mobility restrictions and a rotary knob for those with limitations, allowing step-by-step floor selection, which is accessible and intuitive, with a retractable design to prevent accidental activation and provide clear feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single elevator control device with standard buttons is provided, then passengers without mobility limitations can operate it easily, but passengers with mobility limitations find it difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elevator control device is divided into two separate call input devices: a first call input device with standard buttons for passengers without mobility limitations, and a second call input device with a rotary knob for passengers with mobility limitations. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific user group while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elevator control device is designed to serve multiple functions by accommodating both standard button operation and rotary knob operation. The system can detect and respond to inputs from either device type, making the control system universally accessible to passengers with different mobility levels while maintaining ease of use for all users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a special button for disabled access is added to the elevator control device, then accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases and may interfere with normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a special button to an existing control device, the system segments the control functionality into two separate devices: a first call input device for standard operations and a second call input device with a rotary knob for accessible operations. This avoids the complexity of modifying a single device while maintaining clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second call input device with the rotary knob acts as an intermediary control mechanism that simplifies the interaction for passengers with mobility limitations. The rotary knob serves as a mediator between the passenger and the elevator control system, providing a more accessible interface without requiring modifications to the original control device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary knob is added to the elevator control device, then accessibility for passengers with mobility limitations is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two independent call input devices, with the rotary knob incorporated into the second device specifically for accessible operations. This segmentation allows the rotary knob to be optimized for accessibility without adding complexity to the entire control system, as each device operates independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second call input device is positioned at a different spatial location and operational dimension from the first device. The rotary knob operates in a different dimensional space, allowing passengers with mobility limitations to interact with the system in a way that is physically distinct from standard button operation, thereby reducing interference between the two control modes.

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

4Ease of operation

If two separate call input devices are provided, then accessibility and ease of operation for different passenger groups are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elevator control system is segmented into two separate call input devices, each optimized for specific user groups. The first device with standard buttons serves passengers without mobility limitations, while the second device with a rotary knob serves passengers with mobility limitations. This segmentation improves ease of operation for both groups while managing complexity through functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elevator control system achieves universality by incorporating both call input device types into a single integrated system that can detect and respond to inputs from either device. This multi-functional design allows the system to serve diverse passenger needs while maintaining a unified control architecture that manages complexity through standardized processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4139240B1Elevator control device with two call input devices arranged separately from one another
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 INVENTIO AG
  • EP4139240B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP4139240B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

An elevator operating device (6) for inputting a trip request in an elevator system (1) has a first call input device (28), which is communicatively connected to a central control device (40) of the elevator operating device (6), the first call input device (28) comprising keys (23), which are assigned to respective floors (L, L1) of a building (2) and are disposed in the elevator operating device (6) such that the keys are accessible to a first passenger (P) for inputting a destination floor (L, L1). A second call input device (4) of the elevator operating device (6) is communicatively connected to the central control device (40) and is disposed such that the second call input device is accessible to a second passenger (P) for inputting a destination floor (L, L1) in steps. The first call input device (28) and the second call input device (4) are disposed at a distance from each other with respect to passengers.