Elevator Communication System Wireless Relay Architecture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator communication systems require significant cost and invasive modifications to replace Bluetooth modules, necessitating a solution that minimizes wiring and preserves existing investments.

Innovation Solution

An elevator communication system that uses a combination of first and second wireless processing units, where the first unit receives requests via wireless or wired interfaces and forwards them to the elevator controller through a wired communication interface, reducing the need for new wiring and allowing existing cables to be reused.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a brand new Bluetooth module is used for elevator communication, then wireless communication capability is improved, but system cost and modification complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidmodification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing elevator communication system is designed to support multiple communication modes (wired and wireless) through a unified architecture. The controller can selectively use either wired connections or wireless Bluetooth/Wi-Fi modules depending on availability, making the system universally adaptable without requiring complete redesign for wireless functionality

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

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless communication module acts as an intermediary between the elevator control system and external devices. This module interfaces with existing wired infrastructure while providing wireless connectivity, thereby enabling wireless communication without directly modifying core elevator components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If existing wiring is reused for wireless communication, then installation cost is reduced, but communication reliability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation costVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into independent functional modules: wireless communication module, wired communication interface, and controller. This segmentation allows the wireless module to handle wireless traffic while wired connections provide redundant reliable communication paths, ensuring overall system reliability without requiring complete rewiring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If invasive modifications are made to existing elevator devices, then wireless communication is enabled, but system disruption and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication supportVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication module is designed as a pre-assembled unit with all necessary components (antenna, processor, communication protocols) integrated before installation. This preliminary preparation allows for quick plug-and-play installation in existing elevator systems without requiring on-site customization or extensive modification work

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication module autonomously manages communication protocols, signal processing, and device pairing without requiring complex configuration or intervention during installation. The module self-configures to work with existing elevator infrastructure, minimizing installation time and disruption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4046951B1Elevator communication system and method
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4046951B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4046951B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4046951B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to an elevator communication system (10) and method, a storage medium. The system (10) comprises: a first wireless processing unit (101, 102) configured to receive a request for elevator in a wired manner, and configured to forward the request for elevator in a wireless manner; and a second wireless processing unit (103) configured to receive the request for elevator from the first wireless processing unit (101, 102) in a wireless manner, and configured to forward the request for elevator to an elevator controller (133) in a wired manner. By such system, the elevator can be called in a wireless manner.