Remote Elevator Rescue via Dynamic Control and Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems require a qualified mechanic to perform manual rescue operations, leading to prolonged waiting times for passengers trapped in malfunctioning elevators, and there is a need to enhance the safety and efficiency of remote emergency rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a data connection between the elevator system and a remote service center to initiate a remote manual emergency rescue operation, where an operator can authenticate and control the elevator car's movement via a predetermined distance or time, ensuring safety and authorization through encryption mechanisms, and providing real-time visual and audio communication to assess and address the situation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a remote manual emergency rescue operation is implemented, then the rescue time is reduced and passenger waiting time is minimized, but the safety risk increases due to potential uncontrolled movement of the elevator car
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator car movement is made dynamic and controllable during remote rescue operations. The control system allows the operator to dynamically adjust movement parameters including direction, distance, and speed, while implementing automatic stopping conditions when landings are detected. This dynamic control enables safe remote operation without requiring fixed predetermined movement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms during remote rescue operations. Position sensors detect when the elevator car reaches landings and automatically feed this information back to the control system, triggering automatic stopping. The control system also provides feedback to the operator about car position and operational status, enabling safe and precise remote control.
2Productivity
If remote control signals can be sent continuously to move the elevator car, then the rescue operation efficiency is improved, but the risk of uncontrolled movement increases if the data connection is disturbed or interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements periodic action by requiring continuous transmission of control signals to maintain elevator car movement. If control signals are not received within a predetermined time period, the system automatically stops the elevator car. This periodic control mechanism ensures that any interruption in the data connection results in automatic stopping, preventing uncontrolled movement while allowing efficient continuous operation when the connection is stable.
3Reliability
If authentication procedures are implemented to verify authorized personnel, then the safety and security of remote rescue operations is improved, but the operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by performing authentication procedures before allowing remote rescue operations to commence. The control system verifies whether the remote service center and/or operator are allowed to initiate emergency rescue operations before accepting control signals. This preliminary authentication ensures security while minimizing time loss during the actual rescue operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If the elevator car is moved to exact landing positions, then the rescue operation precision is improved, but the control complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses copying by detecting landing positions through position sensors that identify when the elevator car reaches a landing. Instead of requiring complex precise positioning control, the system copies the landing position information from sensors and uses this to trigger automatic stopping. This simplifies the control system while maintaining adequate positioning accuracy for rescue operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An elevator system (2) comprises an elevator car (6) configured for moving along a hoistway (4); an elevator control (13) configured for controlling the movement of the elevator car (6); and a communication circuit (18) configured for establishing a data connection (20) between the elevator system (2) and a remote service center (22). The elevator control (13) includes a safety circuit (17) configured for detecting a malfunction of the elevator system (2). The elevator control (13) is configured for performing the following actions in case a malfunction of the elevator system (2) has been detected: establishing a data connection (20) between the elevator system (2) and a remote service center (22) and sending an alarm message indicating a malfunction of the elevator system (2) via the communication circuit (18) to the remote service center (22); receiving a request for initiating a manual emergency rescue operation via the communication circuit (18); checking whether the remote service center (22) and/or an operator (27) at the remote service center (22) is allowed initiating an emergency rescue operation; and initiating a manual emergency rescue operation after the remote service center (22) and/or the operator (27) at the remote service center (22) has been confirmed as being allowed initiating an emergency rescue operation.