Multifunction Call Button for Elevator Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems require multiple buttons for different types of elevator calls, making them cumbersome and costly to expand when new call types are added, as each floor needs new buttons installed.
Innovation Solution
A single button can be used to register multiple elevator calls by varying the duration or number of button presses, with visual and audio indications to differentiate between call types, allowing existing buttons to be reconfigured without adding new ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate buttons are provided for different elevator call types, then each call type can be clearly distinguished and registered, but the system becomes cumbersome and costly to expand when new call types are added
Solution Approach 1:
A single call button is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting different press patterns (duration, number of presses). The button can register various elevator call types such as up call, down call, VIP call, and goods transportation call without requiring separate physical buttons for each function. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by reducing the number of buttons while maintaining the ability to handle multiple call types and easily adapt to new call types through software reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system distinguishes between different call types by monitoring parameters of the button press operation, specifically the duration of the press and the number of consecutive presses. By changing these operational parameters, the same physical button can register different call types. This approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining call type differentiation capability while reducing hardware complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new button is installed on each floor to add a new call type, then the system can accommodate additional call types, but the installation becomes costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The single multi-functional button eliminates the need for physical button installation when adding new call types. The button's software can be reconfigured to recognize new press patterns corresponding to new call types, allowing system expansion without additional hardware installation on each floor. This resolves the contradiction by providing system expandability while dramatically reducing installation cost and time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating new physical buttons for each call type, the system uses software representations of button functions. The control system can replicate and reconfigure button response patterns through software, allowing new call types to be added by programming rather than physical installation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling system expansion through software copying rather than expensive physical replication.
3Reliability
If multiple buttons are used for different call types, then each button can be dedicated to a specific function, but the user interface becomes cluttered and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains call registration accuracy by detecting distinct parameter patterns (press duration, number of presses) that clearly differentiate between call types. The user interface remains simple because only one physical button is presented to the user, eliminating visual clutter. The reliability is maintained through unambiguous parameter-based differentiation while ease of operation is improved by providing a clean, simple interface. This resolves the contradiction effectively.
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the present invention is to provide a method and elevator system (1) that substantially reduces the installation costs when adding new elevator calls to an existing elevator system, or to reduce the amount of hardware required on installation of a new elevator system. A single push button (2) or a combination of push buttons (2) can be used by a user (4) to register a plurality of elevator calls by operating the push button (2), or combination of push buttons (2), in a predetermined manner to register an elevator call.