Funduino Elevator - 4-story elevator model for Arduino

Overview

This training system for a four-story elevator provides a platform that enables pupils and students to perform a comprehensive range of PLC programming tasks using the Arduino development environment and a realistic elevator simulation. Electrical and mechanical applications are closely linked, offering extensive learning opportunities.

The individual components are very common in the field of microelectronics and are comprehensively documented. Students therefore work with materials they are familiar with. The elevator model can be expanded flexibly to offer a higher level of difficulty in lessons.

The most important technical features at a glance

• The elevator is equipped in the upper section with a motor-driven car that can travel up and down between the four floors. The car door is also controlled by an electric motor.
• Buttons and sensors in the upper section enable the simulation and control of the usual elevator functions.
• The lower section shows a control panel that represents the control panel inside the elevator with all its functions. 
• The lower panel also contains all of 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

• Creating applications for PLC programming
• Program simulations
• Application with a strong connection to everyday life
• Investigating the operating principle of elevator mechanisms
• Connecting and controlling mechanical and electrical structures
• Applications of electrical motor control
• PLC control experiments
• MCU control experiments

Possible tasks with the Funduino Elevator

• Approach two floors in a repeating cycle. Example of a construction-site elevator. Only the motor needs to be programmed.
• Approach two floors in a repeating cycle. The current floor is shown on the display.
• Two floors are approached depending on the button pressed for the respective floor.
• Two floors are approached depending on the button pressed for the respective floor. 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 ways to customize the elevator, for example with lighting or information displays via the freely available ports.

Benefits for educational institutions

• Individual tasks
• Better comparability when assigning grades
• Creative solution options
• Use of materials that students have become familiar with through common Arduino-compatible starter kits
• Sustainable use thanks to robust materials
• Individual parts can be reordered cost-effectively and replaced quickly

The Funduino Elevator highlights at a glance

• The model features a wide range of programmable components
• Arduino project with a strong connection to everyday life
• Elevator model for four floors
• With DC drive motor for the gondola
• Motor control via integrated L293D H-bridge
• Alternative drive option with 360° servo motor
• Elevator cabin door opening with servo drive
• MP3 module for voice output (passenger information)
• Speaker for voice output, speaker for status tones
• Light barrier for detecting the gondola position (1 per floor)
• OLED display for status indication
• Elevator buttons on the floors, with separate up and down buttons on the intermediate floors.
• Elevator buttons on the elevator cabin's control panel
• Alarm button on the elevator cabin's control panel
• Button for opening and closing the doors on the elevator cabin's control panel
•  Fully usable via USB; no external power supply is strictly required
• External power supply for standalone use is included
• External power supply can be selected separately for the microcontroller (or PLC) and motor using a changeover switch
• The elevator has a connection for an optional Bluetooth module such as HM10 or HC-05. This makes it possible to program an app for the elevator and control it externally. A Bluetooth module is not included in the delivery.
• Complete teaching materials and documentation

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

The aim of working with the elevator model is to automate an elevator so that it operates completely as it would in real life. The elevator already contains a Funduino MEGA 2560 R3 microcontroller, which can control the elevator fully automatically when programmed accordingly. The required Arduino software is an open-source application that can be installed free of charge on any number of computers, including in schools. This makes the system versatile and cost-effective for use in lessons. 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 using other PLCs or programmable logic controllers.

The elevator's operating voltage is only 5V. This means all components in the system can be safely tested and worked with.

Technical details

• 5V supply voltage at the control level
• External power supply 6V - 12V (for demonstrations without a connected computer)
• Included microcontroller: Funduino Mega 2560 R3 (Arduino compatible)
• Separate on/off switches for motor voltage and microcontroller
• DC motor with reduction gearbox
• Controllable cabin door
• Movement mechanism with ball-bearing rollers
• The external input/output points on the control panel are equipped with sockets for standard breadboard cables.
• Frame made of 20x20 black aluminum profiles.

Dimensions

• Base plate: 29 cm x 21 cm (the base area is approximately the size of a DIN A4 sheet, making it ideal for use at student workstations)
• Overall height: 49 cm

Scope of delivery

• 1* Elevator model for four floors
• 1* DC drive motor
• 1* Alternative drive option with 360° servo motor
• 1* Elevator cabin door opening with servo drive
• 1* MP3 module for voice output (passenger information)
• 1* Speaker for voice output
• 1* Speaker for status tones
• 4* Light barriers (1* per floor)
• 1* OLED display for status indication
• 6* Elevator buttons on the floors. Separate up and down buttons on the middle floors.
• 4* Elevator buttons on the control panel in the elevator cabin
• 1* Alarm button on the control panel in the elevator cabin
• 2* Button for opening and closing the doors on the control panel in the elevator cabin
• 2* Freely available ports, including 5V and GND, in the upper section of the elevator. Additional modules such as lighting can be connected and programmed here.
• 1* Power supply
• 1* USB cable
• 1* Assembly instructions
• 1* Complete documentation with preconfigured, commented elevator control system (QR code for the education portal)