Stackable Gesture Elevator Button Actuator for Legacy Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems lack a cost-effective and non-intrusive solution for converting touch-based button operations to touchless, gesture-controlled systems, especially in legacy systems where integrating proximity sensors or modifying the control panel can void warranties and incur high costs.

Innovation Solution

A stackable, non-intrusive device comprising a motor, proximity sensors, and a microcontroller that detects finger gestures to press elevator buttons without physical contact, allowing aftermarket installation on existing control panels and communication with mobile devices via NFC for button control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If proximity sensors are integrated into the elevator control panel, then touchless operation is achieved, but the warranty on the control panel is voided and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouchless operationVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: the existing elevator control panel and the external gesture control device. The gesture control device contains the proximity sensors and processing logic, while the elevator panel remains unchanged. This segmentation allows the gesture control functionality to be added without modifying or voiding the warranty of the original control panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An external gesture control device acts as an intermediary between the user's hand gestures and the elevator control panel. The device detects gestures via proximity sensors, processes the gesture information, and sends corresponding button press signals to the elevator panel, eliminating the need for direct physical contact with the panel while preserving its integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the control panel is modified to enable touchless operation, then infection transmission risk is reduced, but the cost and time for replacement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection transmission riskVSAvoidinstallation cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of investing in expensive, permanent replacement of the entire control panel, the system uses a relatively inexpensive, externally attachable gesture control device. This device can be easily installed and removed without significant investment, providing an economical solution for reducing infection transmission risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The gesture control device is installed on the existing control panel before any potential contamination issues arise, enabling touchless operation immediately. The device includes pre-configured gesture recognition algorithms and communication protocols, allowing it to function effectively as soon as it is attached, without requiring additional setup or modification time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If legacy elevator systems are replaced with modern touchless systems, then touchless operation is achieved, but the technological complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouchless operationVSAvoidsystem compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gesture control device is designed with universal compatibility to work with various types of elevator control panels. It includes multiple output interfaces and configurable communication protocols that can adapt to different elevator systems, whether legacy or modern, without requiring system-specific customization. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to serve multiple elevator configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables touchless operation of elevator buttons, reducing the risk of infection transmission and maintaining the integrity of existing elevator systems by providing a cost-effective, easily installable solution that adapts to various elevator configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a passive proximity sensor for initiating touchless gesture control of a computer touch screen as sensed by a camera detecting changing light patterns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The motor shaft is connected to the motor. The motor shaft is configured to rotate when the battery is connected to the motor.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20230399197A1Stackable non-intrusive device for touchless operation of an elevator through finger gestures

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 ELM INC

AI summary

A stackable, non-contact device for operating elevator buttons is described. The non-contact device includes a servo mechanism with a dual-arm configured to press either of two elevator buttons. Two proximity sensors are configured to register the approach of a finger touch of either proximity sensor, which commands the servo mechanism to press the corresponding elevator button. The stackable, non-contact device includes a microcontroller configured to receive near field communications from a mobile application, which includes commands for pressing a specific elevator button.