Magnetically Actuated Switch for Elevator Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator system devices are susceptible to vandalism due to manual keyholes and other access features, making it challenging to secure authorized access while maintaining convenience for authorized individuals.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically actuated switch concealed behind a surface, which changes states upon interaction with a magnetic key, allowing authorized individuals to access elevator system features without visible indicators, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual keyhole is provided for authorized access, then authorized individuals can access the elevator system, but the device becomes susceptible to vandalism by unauthorized individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical keyhole system with a magnetically actuated switch. Instead of using a physical key that fits into a keyhole, the system uses a magnetic field interaction between a magnet in the switch and a magnetic key brought into proximity by an authorized individual. This substitution eliminates the mechanical vulnerability of keyholes to vandalism while maintaining authorized access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the authorized individual and the elevator system controls. The magnetically actuated switch uses the magnetic field interaction as a mediator to transmit the authorization signal without requiring direct physical contact or visible mechanical interfaces that could be tampered with by unauthorized individuals.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If access control features are concealed to prevent vandalism, then security is improved, but accessibility for authorized individuals may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the visible mechanical keyhole with a concealed magnetically actuated switch, the system achieves both concealment and functionality. The magnetic actuation mechanism allows the switch to be hidden behind a surface without visible indicators, yet still respond to the magnetic key brought into proximity by an authorized individual who knows the correct location and method of activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetically actuated switch provides self-identifying functionality through its magnetic response. When a magnetic key is brought into proximity, the switch automatically actuates without requiring visible indicators or manual intervention to reveal its presence or operation status, allowing authorized individuals to access the system intuitively while maintaining concealment from unauthorized users.
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
Enhances security by preventing unauthorized access while providing convenient access for authorized personnel, as the switch's presence is concealed from passengers and lacks visible indicators, thus reducing the temptation for vandalism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one switch contact that changes between an open and closed state based on an interaction between the at least one magnet and a magnetic key
Data Source
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AI summary
An illustrative example elevator system device (30, 34) includes an interface (40, 42) configured to operate in a first mode that allows an elevator passenger to communicate with the elevator system. The elevator passenger may communicate with the elevator system by inputting an indication for desired elevator service or receive an indication regarding elevator service. A magnetically actuated switch (50) selectively causes the interface (40, 42) to operate in a second mode that allows an authorized individual to communicate with the elevator system in a manner that is different than an elevator passenger communication in the first mode. The magnetically actuated switch (50) includes at least one magnet and at least one switch contact that changes between an open and closed state based on an interaction between the at least one magnet and a magnetic key brought into proximity of the at least one magnet by the authorized individual.