Elevator Structural Sound System for Passenger Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator sound systems fail to provide pleasing audio experiences and can be challenging for passengers with disabilities or those carrying large objects to determine which elevator car door opens, leading to difficulties in exiting.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a structural sound-generation system within elevator cars, utilizing audio actuators coupled to various components like wall panels, frame elements, and doors to generate vibrations and produce sound waves, controlled by an audio system controller, which can announce door openings and destination arrivals, enhancing sound quality and passenger orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sound systems with speakers are used in elevator cars, then the system is simple to implement, but the sound quality is not pleasing and does not provide immersive audio experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical speaker systems with a structural sound-generation system that uses audio actuators to create mechanical vibrations in elevator car components. These vibrations generate sound waves naturally, substituting the mechanical vibration approach for traditional electrical-acoustic conversion, thereby improving sound quality while maintaining reasonable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes elevator car components (walls, doors, ceilings, floors) serve dual functions: their original structural functions plus sound generation functions. By coupling audio actuators to these existing components, the system utilizes the components for both structural support and acoustic radiation, reducing the need for separate dedicated speaker installations
2Loss of information
If visual indicators are used to show which door opens, then the information is clear, but persons with visual impairments or carrying large objects cannot effectively determine the correct exit direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces audio actuators as intermediary devices that translate door position information into audible sound waves. Instead of relying on direct visual perception, the system uses sound as an intermediary medium to convey directional information about which door will open, making the information accessible to all passengers regardless of visual capabilities or hand occupancy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mechanical vibrations generated by audio actuators coupled to elevator car components to provide tactile and audible cues about door positions. The vibrations create sound waves that propagate through the car interior, providing sensory feedback that helps passengers determine the correct exit direction through acoustic rather than visual means
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
This solution provides an immersive and high-quality sound experience, improving passenger safety and accessibility by clearly indicating which doors open and providing personalized audio cues, thus enhancing the overall elevator experience.
Implementation Method 1
The structural sound-generation system is configured to generate vibrations within the first elevator car component such that sound waves are produced therefrom and projected into the interior of the elevator car
Implementation Method 2
sound waves are produced therefrom and projected into the interior of the elevator car
Data Source
AI summary
Elevator systems including an elevator car moveable within an elevator shaft, the elevator car having a first elevator car component, the first elevator car component having a first side facing an interior of the elevator car and a second side opposite from the first side and a structural sound-generation system. The structural sound-generation system having at least one audio actuator coupled to the second side of the first elevator car component and an audio system controller in communication with the at least one audio actuator. The structural sound-generation system is configured to generate vibrations within the first elevator car component such that sound waves are produced therefrom and projected into the interior of the elevator car.