Multicar Elevator Control System Zone Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled elevator systems face challenges in coordinating the vertical and horizontal movements of elevator cars at transfer stations to prevent interference, particularly in multicar systems where multiple cars travel in the same lane, necessitating a control system to manage these movements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a group supervisor, lane supervisor, and transfer supervisor that coordinates the vertical and horizontal movements of elevator cars by enabling or disabling zones at intersections to ensure conflict-free travel, allowing only one type of motion (vertical or horizontal) at a time and using handshaking protocols for confirmation and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple elevator cars are allowed to travel in the same lane simultaneously, then the productivity of the elevator system is improved, but the risk of interference and conflict between cars at transfer stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hoistway is divided into multiple lanes (first lane and second lane) with dedicated directions, and transfer stations are segmented into multiple zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows multiple cars to operate simultaneously in different segments without interference, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the status of transfer station zones based on real-time car positions and movements. Zones can be enabled or disabled, and directionality can be changed dynamically to prevent conflicts and optimize throughput, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational conditions while maintaining safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elevator cars are allowed to change lanes at transfer stations, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the complexity of coordinating vertical and horizontal movements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the vertical movement system (lanes) and horizontal movement system (transfer stations). It mediates the coordination by receiving position information from cars, determining safe transfer zones, and controlling the enabling/disabling of zones to facilitate lane changes without direct complex coordination between movement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously receives feedback on car positions, movements, and zone statuses. This feedback loop enables the system to dynamically adjust zone configurations and movement permissions to accommodate lane changes while maintaining safety, reducing the need for complex predetermined coordination protocols.
3Reliability
If transfer station zones are frequently enabled and disabled to prevent conflicts, then the reliability of conflict-free operation is improved, but the time lost due to movement restrictions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by pre-determining safe transfer zones and pre-enabling them before cars arrive at transfer stations. This advance preparation allows cars to move continuously without unnecessary delays, while still maintaining conflict-free operation through proactive zone management rather than reactive restrictions.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes an elevator car to travel vertically in a first lane and a second lane; a propulsion system to impart force to the elevator car; a transfer station to move the elevator car horizontally from the first lane to the second lane; and a control system to supervise travel of the elevator car, the control system to supervise a first intersection between the first lane and the transfer station such that no more than one of vertical elevator car travel and horizontal elevator car travel is permitted at the first intersection at a given time.