Timer-Based Fixture Channel Control for Elevator Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator and escalator systems face challenges in efficiently managing control assignments and timer resets when master controllers change or are removed from service, leading to potential disruptions in system operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where fixtures receive messages from controllers, determine if the message includes an address associated with the fixture, retrieve the controller identifier, and reset timers for fixture channels controlled by the controller, ensuring seamless control assignment and disassociation when controllers change or go out of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixtures are connected to controllers independently using dedicated cables, then each fixture can be controlled individually, but the system complexity increases and timer management becomes difficult when controllers change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control functionality by allowing any controller to control any fixture channel through a unified communication protocol on the data bus, eliminating the need for dedicated cables between specific fixtures and controllers. This consolidation reduces physical complexity while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal control where controllers and fixtures are not bound to specific pairings. Any controller can assume control of any fixture channel by receiving the fixture's unique identifier and resetting the timer, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to controller changes.
2Ease of repair
If controllers are removed from service for maintenance, then system maintenance is enabled, but control assignments and timer states may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic timer reset functionality. When a controller is removed and later reconnected, the system automatically detects the controller identifier in incoming messages and resets the timer without requiring manual reconfiguration or intervention, maintaining control continuity seamlessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where controllers continuously monitor messages on the data bus containing fixture identifiers. When a controller is reconnected, it receives feedback messages from fixtures and automatically resets timers based on the fixture channel it controls, ensuring continuous operation.
3Productivity
If timer reset is automated based on controller identifier, then control continuity is maintained, but message processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the communication protocol and timer reset logic within the fixture device. The fixture is pre-configured to extract controller identifiers from incoming messages and automatically trigger timer resets without requiring complex real-time processing or external control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a fixture (122) includes receiving a message from a controller (102), determining whether the message includes an address associated with the fixture (122), retrieving an identifier of the controller (102) from the message responsive to determining that the message includes an address not associated with the fixture (122), determining whether the fixture (122) includes a fixture channel (204) controlled by the controller (102), and resetting a timer (203) associated with the fixture channel (204) controlled by the controller (102) responsive to determining that the fixture (122) includes the fixture channel (204) controlled by the controller (102).