Universal Elevator Digital Control System Retrofit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator control systems often have limitations due to their proprietary nature and high upgrade costs, lacking universal applicability and advanced features, especially in existing installations, which restricts the ability to provide sophisticated and cost-effective digital retrofits or new builds with independent health monitoring and user-friendly touchless operation.

Innovation Solution

A universal independent elevator digital control system that can be easily installed on various existing elevator systems, enabling touchless operation through mobile device integration, smart technology for user preference learning, and independent health monitoring, without altering the mechanical or safety operations, and can be configured to mimic existing control system signals for seamless integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If proprietary elevator control systems are used, then operational reliability is maintained, but upgrade cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidupgrade cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into two independent parts: the original proprietary controller that handles safety and mechanical operations, and a new digital control layer that provides advanced features. This segmentation allows upgrading functionality without replacing or altering the proven reliable original system, thus maintaining operational reliability while reducing upgrade costs and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A digital control intermediary layer is introduced between the user interface and the original elevator controller. This intermediary receives user inputs, processes them through digital logic, and generates appropriate control signals for the original system. It also interfaces with mobile devices for touchless operation and health monitoring systems, enabling advanced features without modifying the original reliable controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If proprietary control systems are used, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to different elevator models and advanced features is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoiduniversal applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The digital control system is designed with universal interfaces and communication protocols that can adapt to multiple elevator models and manufacturers. It provides multiple input methods (touchscreen, mobile device, voice recognition) and can integrate with various health monitoring sensors. The system maintains stability by working through the original controller while providing universal adaptability through its flexible digital architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If basic control systems are used, then cost is reduced, but user experience and advanced features like touchless operation are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical button interfaces are replaced with digital touchscreens and mobile device interfaces enabled through wireless communication. Voice recognition systems replace physical button pressing. These substitutions maintain cost-effectiveness by using software-based solutions rather than expensive hardware replacements, while dramatically improving user experience with touchless and contactless operation options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates health monitoring sensors that automatically track elevator performance metrics and predict maintenance needs without user intervention. The digital interface learns user preferences and automatically adjusts operation parameters. Mobile device integration allows users to monitor elevator status and receive notifications autonomously, enhancing user experience without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11780703B2Systems and methods for operation of elevators and other devices

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 ADIFON LEANDRE

AI summary

Embodiments of systems and methods for digital control of elevator and other access gateways are described herein. More specifically, embodiments comprise systems and methods for retrofitting or outfitting elevator systems with digital control systems that can be universally applied to virtually every manufacturer's elevator systems.