Elevator Control System Wireless Interface Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elevator systems lack integrated secure wireless communication and control capabilities, limiting the ability of elevator attendants to efficiently manage media content and elevator operations using mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first elevator car, a controller, a conversion module, and wireless access points connected via a hardwired connection, allowing mobile computing devices to wirelessly send commands to the conversion module, which then transmits them to the controller to control the elevator car's operations, including door opening/closing and display adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional elevator control systems are used with physical buttons, then system reliability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of mobile device integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical buttons with a wireless electronic control system. Mobile computing devices communicate with elevator components through wireless access points and conversion modules, substituting mechanical button presses with wireless digital signals. This improves ease of operation while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (wireless access points, conversion modules) that bridge mobile devices and the elevator control system. These intermediaries translate wireless commands into controller signals, enabling mobile control without directly complicating the core elevator mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is added to enable mobile control, then ease of operation improves, but system reliability deteriorates due to potential wireless communication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion module acts as an intermediary that receives wireless commands and translates them into reliable controller signals. This layer isolates the wireless communication from the critical control system, allowing mobile convenience while protecting system reliability through protocol translation and signal verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where commands sent wirelessly are acknowledged and verified by the controller. This ensures reliable execution by confirming that wireless transmissions were successfully received and processed, maintaining system reliability despite wireless communication variability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated media control is added to elevator systems, then adaptability improves, but device complexity deteriorates due to additional control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling mobile devices to control both elevator operations and media content through a unified wireless interface. The same wireless access point and conversion module infrastructure handles diverse commands (door control, media playback, display adjustment), reducing overall system complexity through shared communication pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different control functions by processing varied command types through a flexible wireless protocol. The conversion module dynamically translates different media and control commands into appropriate controller signals, enabling adaptability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
4Reliability
If hardwired connections are used for wireless access points, then reliability improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hardwired connection acts as a reliable intermediary backbone for wireless access points, separating the reliability-critical communication path from the user-facing wireless interface. This architecture maintains ease of manufacture by allowing wireless access points to be installed as standard network devices with pre-established wiring, rather than requiring custom integrated installations.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator interface, communication, and control system including: a first elevator car configured to move through a first elevator shaft, the first elevator car including elevator doors configured to open and close; a first controller in electronic communication with the first elevator car; a conversion module in electronic communication with the first controller; and a first wireless access point in electronic communication with the conversion module through a hardwired connection, the first wireless access point being configured to wirelessly receive a first command from a first mobile computing device via a wireless protocol, wherein the first wireless access point is configured to transmit the first command to the conversion module, the conversion module is configured to transmit the first command to the first controller, and the first controller is configured to transmit the first command to the first elevator car.