Remote Elevator Rescue Operation Through Verified Data Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator rescue operations are delayed due to the need for manual intervention by a serviceman, which can take time and is inefficient in addressing passenger emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A remote operation system allows centralized control of multiple elevators using a remote service system with a manual operation panel and communication computer, enabling verification and secure data connection to perform remote manual operations, including bypassing safety contacts and activating rescue drives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual rescue operation is performed locally at elevator site, then serviceman can directly rescue trapped passengers, but it takes time for serviceman to arrive at the site

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverescue timeVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A remote service system acts as an intermediary between the trapped passengers and the serviceman. The system includes a remote communication computer that establishes data connections with elevator controllers, allowing the serviceman to remotely verify elevator identity, control elevator operations, and perform rescue functions without physically traveling to the site. This mediator enables immediate rescue response while maintaining operational simplicity for the serviceman.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If remote operation is implemented, then rescue time is reduced, but verification of correct elevator is needed to ensure safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverescue timeVSAvoidverification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote service system implements a feedback mechanism where the serviceman can send verification challenges to the elevator and receive responses to confirm the correct elevator is selected. The system provides feedback signals between the remote operation panel and the elevator controller, enabling the serviceman to verify elevator identity through challenge-response authentication before initiating rescue operations. This feedback loop ensures safety while maintaining remote operation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If remote manual operation is performed, then on-site personnel are not needed, but secure data connection and control must be established

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverescue efficiencyVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing secure communication protocols and verification procedures before remote rescue operations begin. The remote communication computer pre-configures data connections with elevator controllers and implements preliminary verification of elevator identity. This preliminary setup ensures that when rescue operations are needed, the connection is already secure and authenticated, enabling immediate productive action without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3835248B1Remote operation of an elevator
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 KONE OYJ
  • EP3835248B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3835248B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

According to an aspect, there is provided a method for remote operation of a plurality of elevators, each of the plurality of elevators being coupled with a communication computer. The method comprises receiving, by a remote service system from the communication computer, a rescue request associated with an elevator; providing, by the remote service system, a verification to distinguish the elevator associated with the rescue request among the plurality of elevators; enabling, by the remote service system, a data connection with the communication computer to control the verified elevator; and performing, by the remote service system, a remote operation associated with the verified elevator via the enabled data connection.