Elevator Velocity Control for Ear Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed, high-rise elevator systems cause discomfort to passengers due to pressure differential across the human ear during descent, leading to reduced speed to avoid discomfort, thereby increasing travel times.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system equipped with a pressure sensor and controller that adjusts velocity based on changing air pressure, using a preprogrammed ear pressure table to maintain ear pressure within a safe threshold, ensuring passenger comfort during descent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If descent speed is reduced to avoid passenger ear discomfort, then passenger comfort is improved, but flight time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator system dynamically adjusts descent velocity in real-time based on measured air pressure changes. The controller continuously monitors pressure differential and modulates motor output to maintain velocity within ranges that prevent ear discomfort, rather than using a fixed reduced speed throughout the descent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by measuring air pressure differential across the elevator car and using this information to adjust descent velocity. The controller receives pressure sensor data and automatically modifies motor commands to keep pressure changes within comfortable thresholds, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Productivity
If high-speed descent is maintained, then flight time is reduced, but pressure differential causes passenger discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the velocity parameter dynamically during descent based on measured pressure conditions. When pressure differential approaches discomfort thresholds, the controller reduces velocity; when pressure conditions are favorable, velocity can be increased, optimizing both comfort and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a static high or low speed setting, the system implements dynamic velocity adjustment during the descent. The controller continuously adapts motor output based on real-time pressure measurements, allowing the elevator to operate at optimal speed while preventing discomfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure equalization is allowed through mouth and Eustachian tubes, then ear pressure difference is relieved, but this mechanism is direction dependent and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by controlling descent velocity to prevent large pressure differentials from developing in the first place. By managing the rate of pressure change proactively, the system eliminates the need for passive equalization mechanisms that rely on physiological responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces reliance on the human body's physiological pressure equalization mechanisms (mouth breathing, Eustachian tube function) with an engineered control system. The controller and pressure sensor system actively manages pressure differential through mechanical velocity control, providing a more reliable and controllable solution.
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
Minimizes elevator descent flight times while maintaining passenger ear pressure comfort by dynamically adjusting velocity in response to air pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to measure air pressure in the passenger compartment
Implementation Method 2
execute a preprogrammed application configured to adjust a current car velocity based on the changing air pressure and comparison to a preprogrammed ear pressure table
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes an elevator car, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The car is adapted to move vertically within a hoistway and defines a passenger compartment adapted to be occupied by at least one passenger. The sensor is configured to measure air pressure in the passenger compartment. The controller is configured to control travel of the elevator car, receive a plurality of pressure signals from the sensor indicative of changing air pressure in the passenger compartment over a prescribed time period, and execute a preprogrammed application configured to apply a current car velocity and the changing air pressure to a preprogrammed ear pressure table. Upon application, the controller outputs a command to reduce the current car velocity if application of the preprogrammed ear pressure table determines a differential ear pressure would otherwise exceed a preprogrammed threshold.