Overview

This four-story elevator training system provides a platform that allows students to perform a comprehensive range of PLC programming tasks using the Arduino development environment with a realistic elevator simulation. Electrical and mechanical applications are closely linked and offer a high level of learning opportunities.

The individual components are very common in the field of microelectronics and are comprehensively documented. The students therefore work with familiar materials. The elevator model can be variably extended to offer a higher level of challenge in the classroom.

The most important technical features at a glance

The upper section of the elevator is equipped with a motor-controlled cabin that can travel up and down the four floors. The cabin door is also controlled by an electric motor.
Buttons and sensors in the upper area allow the usual elevator functions to be simulated and controlled.
A control panel is shown in the lower area, which represents the control panel inside the elevator with all its functions.
The lower panel also contains all the elevator's input and output sockets. The elevator can be controlled via the PLC on the control panel or manually using the buttons.

Possible applications of the Funduino Elevator

Creation of applications for PLC programming
Program simulations
Application with a high degree of everyday relevance
Investigation of the functional principle of elevator mechanisms
Connection and control of mechanical and electrical structures
Applications of electrical motor control
PLC control experiments
MCU control experiments

Possible tasks with the Funduino Elevator

Moving two floors in a repeated rhythm. Example of a construction site elevator. Only the motor needs to be programmed.
Move to two floors in a repeating rhythm. The current floor is shown on the display.
Two floors are approached depending on which floor button is pressed.
Two floors are approached depending on which floor button is pressed. The number of the respective floor is shown on the display.
The elevator stops depending on the light barrier signal.
There are also many other options for customizing the elevator. For example, with lighting or information displays via the freely available ports.

Advantages for educational institutions

Individual tasks
Better comparability when awarding grades
Creative solutions
Use of materials that students have become familiar with using standard Arduino-compatible starter kits
Sustainable use due to robust materials
Individual parts can be reordered inexpensively and replaced quickly

The highlights of the Funduino Elevator summarized

The model has a large number of programmable components
Arduino project with a high degree of everyday relevance
Elevator model for four levels
With DC drive motor for the gondola
Motor control via integrated H-bridge L293D
Alternative drive option with 360° servo motor
Door opening of the elevator car with servo drive
MP3 module for voice output (passenger information)
Loudspeaker for voice output, loudspeaker for status tones
Light barrier for detecting the gondola position (1* per level)
OLED display for status display
Elevator buttons on the levels, with separate up and down buttons on the middle levels.
Elevator buttons in the elevator car control panel
Alarm button in the elevator car control panel
Door open and door close button in the elevator car control panel
fully usable via USB, no external power supply required
External power supply for stand-alone use is included
External power supply can be selected separately for microcontroller (or PLC) and motor with changeover switch
There is a connection on the elevator for an optional Bluetooth module such as HM10 or HC-05, which makes it possible to program an APP for the elevator and control it externally. A Bluetooth module is not included in the scope of delivery.
Complete instruction material and documentation

In addition to the complete hardware, the module comes with comprehensive instructions that can be used to try out and test the individual relevant components.

In the course of working with the elevator model, the aim is to make an elevator work fully automatically as in reality. The elevator already contains a Funduino MEGA 2560 R3 microcontroller, which can control the elevator fully automatically if programmed accordingly. The necessary Arduino software is an open source application that can be installed free of charge on any number of computers, including school computers, making this system universally and inexpensively usable in the classroom. The so-called "Arduino IDE" is also available as a software package on school server systems such as iServ.

However, it is also possible to control all individual components externally with other PLCs.

The operating voltage of the elevator is only 5V. This means that all components on the system can be safely tested and edited.

Technical details

Supply voltage 5V at control level
External power supply 6V - 12V (for demonstration situations without a connected computer)
Microcontroller included: Funduino Mega 2560 R3 (Arduino compatible)
Separate on/off switch for motor voltage and microcontroller
DC motor with reduction gear
Controllable car door
Movement mechanism with ball-bearing rollers
The external input/output points on the control panel are equipped with sockets for conventional breadboard cables.
Frame made of 20x20 aluminum profile, black.

Dimensions

Base plate: 29cm x 21cm (base area is approximately the size of an A4 sheet of paper and is therefore ideal for use at student workstations)
Total height: 49cm

My German Pavilion