Elevator Emergency Wireless Communication System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems lack effective and reliable communication methods, particularly for users with physical and mental limitations, during emergency situations, where quick and secure communication between the user inside the elevator and external service personnel is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A method that generates emergency call information and establishes a temporary wireless communication infrastructure within the elevator car, allowing users to connect with external communication partners via a communication device, using voice assistants, cameras for emergency pattern detection, and AI for quick assessment, and provides action instructions and status updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional emergency communication system using microphone and loudspeaker is provided in the elevator, then users can establish verbal contact with service personnel, but the communication capability is limited especially for users with physical and mental limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is designed to support multiple communication modalities including voice calls, video calls, and text messaging through a single integrated platform. The system can automatically switch between different communication types based on user needs and emergency situation, making it universally accessible to users with various physical and mental limitations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the emergency communication infrastructure. The mobile device runs a dedicated application that serves as a bridge, allowing users to communicate through their familiar device while the system provides additional functionalities like video calling and text-based communication options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a wireless communication infrastructure is provided within the elevator car, then communication between user and external partner is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication infrastructure is designed to dynamically adjust its operation mode based on detected emergency situations. During normal elevator operation, the communication system remains in a low-power standby mode. When an emergency is detected through sensors or user input, the system automatically activates full communication capabilities, maintaining reliability only when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic status checks and conditional activation rather than continuous operation. The communication infrastructure periodically monitors for emergency conditions and only activates full wireless communication functionality when triggered by specific events such as emergency button presses or anomaly detection, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If emergency communication system is always active, then communication availability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication availabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessments and preliminary setup actions before full emergency communication activation. When an emergency condition is initially detected, the system first establishes basic communication channels and then progressively activates additional communication modalities as needed, rather than having all systems continuously active. This reduces complexity while maintaining availability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3789331B1Method for operating a lift device
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 TELEGARTNER ELEKTRONIK
  • EP3789331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3789331B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3789331B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for operating a lift installation (1), in particular a passenger lift installation, comprising a lift car (3) mounted to move along a track (2), comprising the following steps: - generating emergency call information (100) describing an emergency call situation of the lift installation (1); - providing at least temporary wireless communication infrastructure (4) within the lift car (3) via a communication infrastructure generation device (5), in particular assigned to the lift car (3); - connecting a communication device (6) of a user (7) located in the lift car (3) with the wireless communication infrastructure (4) generated within the lift car (3).