Elevator suspension component with rodent deterrent additive
By adding a rodent deterrent additive to the sheath of elevator suspension components, the problem of sheath wear and tear caused by rodent gnawing was solved, thus protecting the suspension components.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510877538.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-07-01
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing elevator suspension components are susceptible to undesirable effects such as wear and breakage when in contact with rodents, especially at the edges of the sheath.
Adding rodent deterrent additives, such as natural repellents or chemical additives, to the sheaths of elevator suspension components creates a protective layer against rodent bites by mixing, covering, or printing them onto the sheath surface and edges.
It effectively prevents rodents from biting the suspension components, reduces sheath wear and breakage, and extends component life.
Smart Images
Figure CN121269486A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Technology
[0001] Elevator systems are widely used to transport passengers between various floors in a building. Some elevator systems are traction-based, where a suspension assembly, sometimes called a rope, suspends the elevator car and counterweight. The suspension assembly also facilitates movement of the elevator car when needed. Some elevator systems have suspension components that include flat belts with tension members encased in a compressible polymer sheath. Under certain operating conditions, such suspension components can become accessible to rodents. Over time, this type of contact can lead to some undesirable effects on the suspension components. Summary of the Invention
[0002] An illustrative example component includes: at least one suspension member that supports an elevator car and facilitates movement of the elevator car within a shaft; a sheath that encloses at least one suspension member, wherein the sheath comprises a material of the first type; and a rodent deterrent additive associated with the first type of material.
[0003] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the rodent deterrent additive is mixed with the first type of material, such that the rodent deterrent additive is distributed throughout the sheath.
[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, rodent deterrent additives cover only the pre-identified portion of the sheath.
[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the sheath has a first surface, a second surface facing opposite to the first surface, and an edge extending between the first and second surfaces, wherein a pre-identified portion of the sheath includes the edge.
[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the sheath has a first surface, a second surface facing opposite to the first surface, and an edge extending between the first and second surfaces, wherein a pre-identified portion of the sheath includes at least a portion of at least one of the first and second surfaces.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the sheath has a first surface, a second surface facing opposite to the first surface, and an edge extending between the first and second surfaces, wherein a rodent deterrent additive is incorporated into the ink, which is capable of being printed on at least one of the first surface, the second surface, or the edge.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the ink includes a continuous line extending along at least one of the first and second surfaces.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, ink comprises a continuous line extending along each of the edges.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the ink includes character printing extending along at least one of the first and second surfaces.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, rodent deterrent additives include natural repellent materials.
[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, rodent deterrent additives include chemical materials.
[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, at least one suspension component includes a plurality of tension members enclosed within a sheath.
[0014] One illustrative example method includes: encapsulating a plurality of tension components within a sheath material to form a suspension assembly encapsulated within a sheath; and associating a rodent deterrent additive with the sheath material.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the method includes mixing a rodent deterrent additive with a sheath material before encapsulating multiple tension components.
[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the sheath has a first surface, a second surface facing opposite to the first surface, and an edge extending between the first and second surfaces, and the method includes covering only a pre-identified portion of the sheath with a rodent deterrent additive.
[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the pre-identified portion of the sheath includes the edges.
[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the method includes incorporating a rodent deterrent additive into the ink and printing the ink on at least one of a first surface, a second surface, or an edge.
[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the ink includes at least one of the following: a continuous line extending along at least one of the first and second surfaces; a continuous line extending along each of the edges; or character printing extending along at least one of the first and second surfaces.
[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, rodent deterrent additives include natural repellent materials.
[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, rodent deterrent additives include chemical materials.
[0022] From the following detailed description, various features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings can be briefly described in the following description. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a selected portion of the elevator system.
[0024] Figure 2 The illustration schematically depicts a portion of an example suspension component.
[0025] Figure 3 The illustration schematically shows an example of a cross-section of a suspension component with a deterrent additive.
[0026] Figure 4 This illustration schematically depicts another example of the top or bottom surface of a suspension component with a deterrent additive.
[0027] Figure 5 This illustration schematically depicts another example of the side edge of a suspension component with a deterrent additive.
[0028] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method of associating deterrent additives with sheathing materials used for suspension components. Detailed Implementation
[0029] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an elevator suspension component that includes a rodent deterrent additive to prevent contact with rodents.
[0030] Figure 1The diagram schematically illustrates a selected portion of elevator system 20. Elevator car 22 is supported by a rope arrangement or suspension assembly 24, which includes multiple suspension components 26. In one example, elevator system 20 is a traction-based system where a controller directs the operation of machine 16 to cause a selected movement of elevator car 22. Elevator car 22 is coupled to counterweight 28 via suspension components 26. As elevator car 22 moves within hoistway 32 between stations or floors, suspension components 26 are driven by machine 16 around traction pulleys 30 and any additional deflector pulleys 18.
[0031] Figure 2 A portion of an example suspension member 26 is schematically illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension member 26 is a flat strip comprising a plurality of tension members 36 encased in a sheath 38 of a compressible material, such as, for example, polyurethane or other similar material. In many embodiments, for example, the tension members 36 are steel cords, and the suspension member 26 is referred to as coated steel strip (CSB). Other embodiments include tension members made of different materials and sheath surfaces with uneven surfaces, such as those incorporating ribs, grooves, or similar features.
[0032] Depending on the building construction, the shaft 32 can be located in a variety of locations within the building. Under certain operating conditions, or in certain environments, the suspension component 26 may come into contact with rodents (such as rats, mice, squirrels, etc.) that may gnaw on portions of the sheath 38. In some cases, this contact can cause undesirable effects, such as wear, breakage, or splitting of the sheath 38, especially along its edges.
[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the sheath 38 has an outward-facing side 40 and a traction side 42 (e.g., an inward-facing side opposite to the outward-facing side 40), which is supported on the traction pulley 30. An edge 44 extends between the outward-facing side 40 (e.g., a first side) and the traction side 42 (e.g., a second side). In embodiments, the sheath 38 may be made of a sheath material 50 (e.g., a material of the first type). In one example, the sheath material 50 may be an elastomeric material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer.
[0034] In some applications, such as those required by certain requirements and standards, rodent biting tests are conducted on the suspension component 26. This subject matter discloses a suspension component 26 in which an additional rodent deterrent additive 52 (e.g., a second-type material) is associated with a sheath material 50. In some embodiments, the rodent deterrent additive 52 is mixed with the sheath material 50 such that the additive is distributed throughout the suspension component 26. In some embodiments, the rodent deterrent additive 52 is applied only to one or more areas of the suspension component 26 most likely to experience undesirable contact from rodents.
[0035] In an embodiment, the rodent deterrent additive 52 may be a type of material different from the sheath material 50.
[0036] In this embodiment, additive 52 may include a natural repellent. Examples of natural repellents include pepper, essential oils, caffeine, salt, mustard, or other similar repellents.
[0037] In embodiments, additives may include chemical additives. Examples of chemical additives include denatumene (DB), capsicum oleoresin (CO) impregnated in mesoporous silica (SiCO), or other similar chemical additives. DB and SiCO have been shown to be the most effective; however, their concentrations need to be carefully controlled to keep them environmentally friendly. In embodiments, depending on the thickness of the material applied, the concentration for DB should be about 1 wt% to 2 wt%, and the concentration for SiCO ranges from 12 wt% to 24 wt%. In embodiments, the final concentration applied for each suspension component should be determined experimentally. Those skilled in the art, benefiting from this description, will be able to determine the concentrations to be applied for these purposes.
[0038] In one embodiment, the additive may be mixed with other chemicals or materials to form the sheath 38, or the additive may be included in the ink material, which may be printed along the suspension member 26 on surfaces 40, 42 or edges 44. In another embodiment, the ink may be printed more densely on the top or bottom of the suspension member 26 where rodents are more likely to approach.
[0039] In this implementation, the rodent deterrent additive 52 covers only the pre-identified portion of the sheath 38. In one example, the pre-identified portion of the sheath 38 is the area most susceptible to contact from rodents.
[0040] like Figure 3As shown, the rodent deterrent additive 52 is mixed with a first-type material (e.g., an elastomer) for the sheath 38, such that the additive 52 is distributed throughout the sheath 38. In some embodiments, the additive 52 may be evenly distributed across the cross-section of the suspension member 26, as indicated by 56. In some embodiments, the additive 52 may be distributed in a more concentrated manner in certain portions of the suspension member 26 (such as edge 44), as indicated by 58.
[0041] In some implementations, the rodent deterrent additive 52 covers only a pre-identified portion of the sheath, such as the surface portion.
[0042] In some implementations, the pre-identified portion of the sheath 38 includes edge 44.
[0043] In some embodiments, the pre-identified portion of the sheath 38 includes at least a portion of at least one of the first surface 40 and the second surface 42.
[0044] In some embodiments, rodent deterrent additive 52 is incorporated into the ink, which can be printed on at least one of the first surface 40, the second surface 42, or the edge 44.
[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the ink may be a continuous line 60 extending along at least one of the first surface and the second surface. In some embodiments, the ink includes character printing 62 extending along at least one of the first surface 40 and the second surface 42. In some embodiments, one or more lines 60 may extend along longitudinally extending edge portions of the first surface 40 and / or the second surface 42.
[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the ink may include a continuous line 64 extending along each of the edges 44.
[0047] Figure 6 A flowchart is shown of an example method for forming a suspension component 26 with a rodent deterrent additive. In one embodiment, the method includes: encapsulating a plurality of tension members within a sheath material to form a suspension assembly encapsulated within a sheath, such as indicated by 100; and associating the rodent deterrent additive with the sheath material, such as indicated by 200.
[0048] This method may include any of the embodiments described below, individually or in any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the method may include mixing the additive with the sheathing material prior to encapsulating multiple tension members.
[0049] In one implementation, the method may include covering only a pre-identified portion of the sheath with a rodent deterrent additive.
[0050] In one embodiment, the method may include incorporating rodent deterrent material into ink and printing the ink on at least one of a first surface, a second surface, or an edge. The printing may include information, which may be normally printed or additional printing added to the suspension member at locations more likely to be chewed.
[0051] This subject matter discloses a method and apparatus for deterring rodents from chewing on a sheath by adding a rodent repellent additive to the sheath material. In one embodiment, the repellent additive is added as a masterbatch to the sheath polymer during sheath processing. In another embodiment, the additive is filled with a mixture of odor-emitting chemicals and / or bitter compounds that produce an unacceptable taste and irritation to mucous membranes, thereby keeping rodents, squirrels, termites, etc., away from the suspension component. In this embodiment, commercially available additives that are safe for humans and environmentally friendly are used. This facilitates the protection of the suspension component sheath from rodent damage.
[0052] The foregoing description is exemplary in nature and not restrictive. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples, without necessarily departing from the spirit of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The legal scope of protection afforded to this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.
Claims
1. An assembly comprising: at least one suspension component that supports an elevator car and facilitates movement of the elevator car within a hoistway; a sheath that encloses the at least one suspension component, wherein the sheath comprises a first type of material; and a rodent deterring additive associated with the first type of material.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The rodent deterring additive is mixed together with the first type of material such that the rodent deterring additive is distributed throughout the sheath.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The rodent deterring additive only covers a pre-identified portion of the sheath.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein, The sheath has a first surface, a second surface facing opposite the first surface, and an edge extending between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein the pre-identified portion of the sheath includes the edge.
5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein, The sheath has a first surface, a second surface facing opposite the first surface, and an edge extending between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein the pre-identified portion of the sheath includes at least a portion of at least one of the first surface and the second surface.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The sheath has a first surface, a second surface facing opposite the first surface, and an edge extending between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein the rodent deterring additive is incorporated into an ink that is printable on at least one of the first surface, the second surface, or the edge.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein, The ink includes a continuous line extending along at least one of the first surface and the second surface.
8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein, The ink includes a continuous line extending along each of the edges.
9. The assembly of claim 6, wherein, The ink includes character printing extending along at least one of the first surface and the second surface.
10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The rodent deterring additive includes a natural repellent material.
11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The rodent deterring additive includes a chemical material.
12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The at least one suspension component includes a plurality of tension members enclosed within the sheath.
13. A method comprising: enclosing a plurality of tension members within a sheath material to form a suspension assembly enclosed within a sheath; and associating a rodent deterring additive with the sheath material.
14. The method of claim 13, comprising mixing the rodent deterring additive together with the sheath material prior to enclosing the plurality of tension members.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein, The sheath has a first surface, a second surface facing opposite the first surface, and an edge extending between the first surface and the second surface, and the method comprises covering only a pre-identified portion of the sheath with the rodent deterring additive.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The pre-identified portion of the sheath includes the edge.
17. The method of claim 15, comprising incorporating the rodent deterring additive into an ink, and printing the ink on at least one of the first surface, the second surface, or the edge.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The ink includes at least one of: a continuous line extending along at least one of the first surface and the second surface; a continuous line extending along each of the edges; or a character printing extending along at least one of the first surface and the second surface. Characters printed along at least one of the first surface and the second surface.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein, The rodent deterring additive includes a natural repellent material.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein, The rodent deterring additive includes a chemical material.