Wireless Sensor Commissioning via Mobile Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for installing wireless sensors and devices in elevator systems are cumbersome and require complex connection processes, often necessitating physical cables for setup.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a mobile device to commission wireless hardware, allowing for wireless communication to place devices in setup mode, configure parameters such as wireless range, building ID, and sensor position, and connect sensors efficiently through a graphical user interface, enabling simplified installation and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current installation practices for wireless hardware are used, then wireless devices can be installed, but the setup process becomes cumbersome with complicated connection processes and requires physical cables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup process simplicityVSAvoidconnection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The mobile device establishes a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) with the wireless hardware, eliminating the need for physical cables during setup. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by removing the mechanical connection requirement while maintaining reliable communication for device configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves as an intermediary between the installer and the wireless hardware. It provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the setup process by automatically managing connection protocols, authentication, and configuration parameter transmission. This intermediary role reduces the complexity burden from the installer while enabling wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If wireless hardware requires cable connection for setup, then reliable initial connection is established, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires additional equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing cable-based mechanical connection with wireless communication protocols, the installation process eliminates the time required for physical cable connection, device plugging/unplugging, and cable management. The mobile device can establish wireless connections instantly, significantly reducing setup time and improving installation productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless hardware is designed to autonomously establish connections and receive configuration data via wireless communication. The device automatically enters setup mode when detecting a mobile device, eliminating the need for manual cable connection steps and reducing overall setup time without requiring additional installation equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If physical cables are used for initial setup, then stable connection is achieved, but the process becomes less flexible and more cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidinstallation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs robust wireless communication protocols with automatic connection management, authentication mechanisms, and error correction to ensure reliable setup connections. The mobile device maintains stable wireless communication during the configuration process, matching or exceeding the reliability of cable connections while providing superior ease of operation through contactless setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3228576B1Wireless device installation interface
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3228576B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3228576B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3228576B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A system and a method of connecting to wireless hardware of an elevator (104, 204) system during installation are provided. The method includes detecting, using a mobile device, a sensor (211, 212, 311, 312, 340) of the wireless hardware within range, connecting the mobile device and sensor (211, 212, 311, 312, 340) using a wireless connection, and configuring a parameter of the sensor (211, 212, 311, 312, 340) using the mobile device through the wireless connection to the sensor (211, 212, 311, 312, 340).