Touchless Elevator Keyboard via Optical Sensor and Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public surfaces such as elevator buttons are hotspots for bacteria and viruses, posing a high risk of contamination and infection, necessitating a touchless solution to prevent the spread of infections.
Innovation Solution
A touchless keyboard system for elevators, comprising sensors for detecting non-touch indications, actuators to engage existing buttons, and a controller to process signals and control the actuators, allowing users to select floors without physical contact, while being mountable over existing touch-sensitive keyboards and operating independently or with adjustments for other systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive keyboard buttons are used for elevator operation, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination and infection risk increases due to bacteria accumulation on public surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (optical sensor and actuator system) between the user and the elevator button. The sensor detects hand presence or gestures without physical contact, and the actuator physically presses the button on behalf of the user, eliminating direct contact while maintaining operational functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical interaction (finger pressing button) with an optical detection system. The optical sensor detects user intent through light reflection or gesture recognition, and an actuator mechanism performs the physical button press, substituting the mechanical contact-based operation with an optical-field-based control system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a touchless detection and actuation system is implemented, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical sensor and actuator system to be universally applicable across different elevator models and button configurations. The system can detect various hand gestures and adapt to different button layouts, making the complexity investment worthwhile by providing a universal touchless solution that can be deployed across multiple platforms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the optical sensor and actuator components within a compact housing that can be mounted over the existing button panel. The actuator is positioned within proximity of the button, and the sensor is nested within the same structural assembly, creating a space-efficient configuration that minimizes the visual and physical footprint of the added complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent touchless keyboard device units are used, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but system coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the touchless keyboard system into independent modular units, each responsible for detecting and actuating a specific button or group of buttons. Each unit operates autonomously with its own sensor and actuator, allowing flexible configuration and installation in different elevator environments without requiring complex centralized coordination
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces contamination risks by enabling touchless operation of elevator buttons, maintaining compatibility with existing systems, and offering adaptable configurations for various environments, enhancing user safety and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a touchless detection device comprising at least one sensor for detecting non-touch indications from users for opted floors
Data Source
AI summary
A touchless keyboard system for operating an elevator through an existing touch-sensitive keyboard of the elevator, the touchless keyboard system including a touchless detection device comprising at least one sensor for detecting non-touch indications from users for opted floors, an actuation device comprising at least one actuator for physical engaging buttons of the existing touch-sensitive keyboard of the elevator corresponding to the opted floors, and a controller in communication with the detection device and with the actuation device for receiving and processing output signals from the at least one sensor and controlling movement of the at least one actuator based on the processed output signals. The touchless keyboard system further comprises a touchless keyboard housing for receiving the touchless detection device and the actuation device, where the touchless keyboard housing is operatively mountable to the touch-sensitive keyboard of the elevator. There is also provided a device unit, and a method of operating an elevator through an existing touch-sensitive keyboard of the elevator.