Infrared Elevator Button Control for Contactless Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems pose hygiene risks due to the need for direct contact with buttons, which can spread bacteria and viruses, especially in poorly ventilated environments.
Innovation Solution
A contactless elevator control system using an infrared touch sensor to emit and detect infrared beams, calculate displacements, and control relay contacts to actuate elevator buttons without physical touch, reducing the risk of bacterial and viral transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional contact-based elevator buttons are used, then the operation is simple and reliable, but hygiene problems arise due to finger contact spreading bacteria and viruses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based button pressing system with an optical detection system using infrared sensors. The infrared sensor detects the position of a finger approaching the button without requiring physical contact, and triggers the elevator response through optical signal recognition rather than mechanical actuation. This substitution eliminates the transmission pathway for bacteria and viruses while maintaining the button's selection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infrared sensor as an intermediary between the user's finger and the elevator button system. Instead of direct finger-to-button contact, the infrared sensor detects the finger's presence and position through infrared radiation, acting as a mediator that translates optical information into control signals. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact while preserving the control functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If contactless infrared detection is implemented, then hygiene is improved by eliminating finger contact, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the infrared sensor functionality into the existing elevator control system architecture, allowing the same control unit to handle both traditional button inputs and contactless infrared detections. The control system is designed to universally process different input types (mechanical button presses and optical sensor signals) through a unified control logic, reducing the need for entirely separate systems and minimizing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the infrared detection function with the existing button control system by integrating the sensor output into the same control circuitry that processes traditional button signals. The relay control device and indicator light system are shared between contact-based and contactless operation modes, merging multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than creating separate parallel systems.
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 contactless operation of elevator buttons, thereby minimizing the spread of bacteria and viruses by eliminating the need for direct contact, ensuring better hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the infrared touch sensor is configured to: emit an array of multiple infrared beams, receive reflected infrared beams when an object enters the active detection area of the infrared touch sensor
Implementation Method 2
receive reflected infrared beams when an object enters the active detection area
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a contactless elevator control system and method. The system comprises an infrared touch sensor, a relay control device and an elevator button control device, wherein: the infrared touch sensor emits an array of multiple infrared beams, receives reflected infrared beams, calculates a vertical and lateral displacement, determines a corresponding coordinate information, calculates a corresponding elevator button, and sends a corresponding control; the relay control device drives the corresponding relay contacts to close. The solution uses the infrared touch sensor to achieve contactless control of elevator buttons, reducing the risk of spreading bacteria and viruses when touching the elevator buttons.