Adjustable Elevator Door Interlock Assembly Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator door interlock systems are prone to malfunctions, accounting for 50% of maintenance requests and 30% of callbacks, and the installation process is time-consuming and complicated due to the need for accurate alignment of interlock components with coupler vanes, which can lead to unreliable elevator operation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable elevator door interlock design featuring a pivotable first and second base with bumpers and a latch that allows for easy alignment with the door coupler vanes without adjusting the latch or switch components, enabling secure locking and reliable operation by adjusting the lateral spacing between bumpers and securing them in fixed positions using fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional interlock arrangements are used with fixed positioning of rollers and vanes, then the door coupling function is achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complicated requiring accurate alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock assembly incorporates adjustable bases that allow the rollers to be repositioned laterally relative to the hoistway door component. This dynamic adjustment capability enables installers to align the rollers with the coupler vanes without requiring precise pre-positioning, significantly reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining proper door coupling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changing the lateral position parameter of the rollers by providing adjustable bases with multiple positioning options. This parameter adjustment enables the interlock assembly to adapt to different installation conditions and achieve proper alignment with the coupler vanes without complex procedures.
2Reliability
If accurate interlock placement is required to avoid undesired contact, then door operation reliability is improved, but the installation process becomes more complicated requiring adjustment of lock and switch positions
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock assembly is segmented into independently adjustable components - the bases supporting the rollers can be adjusted separately from the lock and switch components. This segmentation allows alignment adjustment without affecting the positioning of other critical components, maintaining reliability while simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable bases provide dynamic positioning capability for the rollers, allowing them to be aligned with the coupler vanes without requiring adjustments to the lock and switch positions. This dynamic adjustment reduces installation complexity while ensuring reliable operation.
3Reliability
If the lock and switch components are accurately positioned, then elevator reliability is improved, but any adjustment to align rollers with coupler requires moving these components
Solution Approach 1:
The design segments the adjustment function into the adjustable bases, separating it from the lock and switch components. This allows roller alignment to be performed independently without disturbing the accurately positioned lock and switch, improving maintenance ease while preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable bases provide a dynamic solution for roller alignment that does not require moving the lock and switch components. This maintains the ease of operation for maintenance while ensuring reliable elevator operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed interlock components are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but alignment with coupler vanes requires time-consuming adjustment during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock assembly incorporates adjustable bases that enable lateral repositioning of the rollers during installation. This dynamic adjustment capability is built into the manufacturing, allowing for quick alignment with coupler vanes without time-consuming adjustments, thereby improving installation productivity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative example elevator door interlock includes a first base configured to be supported on a hoistway door component, The first base is situated to be selectively pivoted relative to the hoistway door component. A first bumper is supported on the first base such that pivotal movement of the first base changes a position of the first bumper relative to the hoistway door component. A second base is situated to be selectively moved relative to the hoistway door component. A second bumper is supported on the second base such that selective movement of the second base changes a position of the second bumper relative to the hoistway door component. A latch is situated for pivotal movement about a pivot axis relative to the first base between a door locking position and a released position.