Elevator Car Interface for Special Trip Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Destination call-controlled elevator systems are inadequate for users who need to serve multiple stops, such as postmen delivering or picking up goods on different floors, as they cannot change their destination once inside the elevator car.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a combined display and input device in elevator cars that allows users to switch from a display mode to an input mode for special trips, enabling users to select and modify destinations during the journey, while maintaining destination call control for other cars.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If destination call control is implemented to optimize resource utilization and reduce travel time, then elevator system efficiency is improved, but users cannot change their destination once inside the elevator car, reducing operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelevator system efficiencyVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operating states: destination-call-controlled state for normal operations and special-trip state for multi-stop requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the elevator to optimize for efficiency during standard use while accommodating flexible destination changes when needed, resolving the contradiction between system efficiency and operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system integrates multiple functions within a single elevator car, enabling it to operate both as a destination-call-controlled elevator and as a special-trip elevator with multiple selectable destinations. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to serve different operational modes, maintaining efficiency while enabling flexibility

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

2Reliability

If input means are removed from elevator cars in destination call-controlled systems to prevent additional travel orders, then system reliability is improved, but users cannot request special trips with multiple stops, reducing service capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidservice capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The input means in the elevator car are dynamically activated only during special-trip operations. During normal destination-call-controlled mode, the input means remain inactive to prevent unauthorized travel orders and maintain system reliability. When special-trip mode is initiated, the input means become active, allowing users to select multiple destinations. This dynamic activation resolves the contradiction between system reliability and service capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a special trip mode is introduced to allow multiple destination selections, then operational flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional control states and modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing display means in the elevator car are made multi-functional by enabling them to serve as both display-only elements during destination-call-controlled mode and as combined display-input elements during special-trip mode. This eliminates the need for separate physical input devices, reducing hardware complexity while enabling flexible multi-destination selection

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control system merges the display function and input function into a single integrated interface during special-trip operations. By combining these functions that are separate during normal operations, the system achieves operational flexibility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2262711B1Destination-call-controlled lift system and method for controlling a lift system
Publication Date: 2013.06.12 K SOLUTIONS
  • EP2262711B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2262711B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a lift system having at least one lift car which in a first operating state is controlled by a control means as a function of a destination call. The lift system according to the invention is defined by the fact that at least the input means (7, 8) which are arranged at the floors are configured in such a way that they can be used to order a special journey when they are being controlled. Furthermore, a combined display and input means (2) is arranged in at least one lift car (1) which is provided for carrying out special journeys. Said combined display and input means (2) is configured in such a way that after a special journey order has been received it is changed from a display mode into a display and input mode.