Shared Building Network Virtual Channels Elevator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation infrastructure networks, such as those for elevators and escalators, require complex configuration processes and dedicated networks, which can be costly and difficult to maintain, especially in modern building environments with limited access and complex network topologies.
Innovation Solution
The use of a shared building network, such as Ethernet, to create a virtually dedicated channel for communication between elevator and escalator peripheral devices and their controllers, eliminating the need for separate dedicated networks and reducing physical cabling requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated transportation infrastructure control network (TICN) is used, then reliability of control data transmission is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transportation infrastructure control network with the building automation network into a single shared network infrastructure. Instead of maintaining separate dedicated networks for TICN and building automation, the system combines them into one network that handles both types of traffic, thereby reducing overall network complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable control data transmission through appropriate network management.
Solution Approach 2:
The building network is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a building automation network and a transportation infrastructure control network. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical infrastructure to support diverse applications including elevator control, access control, lighting, and HVAC systems, eliminating the need for separate dedicated networks.
2Reliability
If a dedicated network is deployed, then control signal transmission quality is improved, but installation cost and physical cabling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple network functions into a single shared physical infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cabling for transportation control. The same network cables and infrastructure that support building automation systems are also used for elevator and escalator control, significantly reducing the quantity of physical cabling required.
Solution Approach 2:
The network infrastructure is designed with universal functionality to handle both building automation traffic and transportation control signals over the same physical medium. This approach allows existing building networks to be reused for elevator and escalator control, avoiding additional cabling installations and reducing overall material requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing building networks are utilized, then installation cost is reduced, but network interference and reliability risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different virtual channels or priority levels within the shared building network. Control-critical traffic from elevators and escalators is separated from general building automation traffic through network segmentation techniques, ensuring that non-critical traffic does not interfere with time-sensitive control signals while still utilizing the same physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network management intermediaries such as switches, routers, or gateway devices that mediate between different types of traffic. These intermediary devices prioritize and manage control signals from transportation infrastructure, ensuring they receive appropriate bandwidth and timing while filtering or isolating them from potentially interfering building automation traffic.
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement for connecting transportation infrastructure peripheral devices, such as elevator and escalator peripheral devices (113, 123, 133), to a transportation infrastructure, such as elevator (110, 120, 130), using a building network (100) is disclosed. In the arrangement a virtually dedicated channel for communication between elevator and escalator peripheral devices is created. The channel is used for transmitting signals, such as elevator calls, so that there is no need to use a dedicated and separated network for elevator and escalator peripheral devices.