Adjustable Pulley Elevator Counterbalance for Lower Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy-saving traction-type elevators face inefficiencies due to the need for assembling and dismantling counterbalance units to adjust weight differences, leading to power loss and time wastage, and lack a simple and rational structure for effective energy conservation.
Innovation Solution
An energy-saving elevator system with adjustable pulleys and conical members that adjust the rotation radius of the cable within trapezoid-shaped grooves to balance weight differences between the elevator car and counterweight, using actuators and weight sensors to optimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the counterbalance unit weight is adjusted by assembling and dismantling counterbalance units, then the weight difference between counterbalance unit and car is reduced, but power loss increases and time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the counterbalance unit weight adjustable through a variable counterbalancing mass system. The counterbalance unit can dynamically change its weight by adjusting the position of movable weights along the guide rails, allowing the system to adapt to different load conditions and maintain optimal balance without assembling or dismantling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the weight parameter of the counterbalance unit continuously rather than in discrete steps. The movable weights can be positioned at different locations along the guide rails to precisely adjust the counterbalancing force, enabling fine-tuned optimization of the weight difference between the counterbalance unit and the car.
2Loss of energy
If multiple counterbalance units are assembled and dismantled to adjust weight, then weight balance is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable counterbalancing mass system allows dynamic adjustment of counterbalance weight without time-consuming assembly or disassembly operations. The movable weights can be repositioned along the guide rails using actuators, enabling rapid adaptation to changing load conditions while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic control mechanisms that can adjust the counterbalance weight based on detected load conditions. The control system monitors the elevator operation and automatically repositions the movable weights to maintain optimal balance, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing adjustment time.
3Device complexity
If the counterbalance unit weight is fixed, then the structure is simple, but energy waste occurs due to weight difference accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed counterbalance structure into a dynamic system with variable counterbalancing mass. The movable weights can be repositioned along the guide rails to adjust the counterbalance force, allowing the system to adapt to varying load conditions and minimize mechanical potential energy waste while maintaining relatively simple structural components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system dynamically adjusts to weight variations, reducing energy consumption by optimizing the rotation radius of the cable, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and maintaining balance without the need for manual assembly or disassembly of counterbalance units.
Implementation Method 1
The first conical surface and the second conical surface form a first trapezoid-shape groove between the first fixed conical member and the first moveable conical member. The first trapezoid-shape groove is configured to receive the adjusting cable.
Implementation Method 2
an electromotor configured to rotate the first adjustable pulley and rotate the second adjustable pulley
Implementation Method 3
a lift cable configured to connect the first adjustable pulley and the second adjustable pulley, wherein the first end of the lift cable is connected to the elevator car, and a second end of the lift cable is connected to the counterweight
Implementation Method 4
The adjusting cable is configured to move away from the first axis inside the first trapezoid-shape groove responsive to moving the first moveable conical member towards the first fixed conical member along the first axis.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy-saving elevator. The energy-saving elevator includes an elevator car, a counterweight, a lift cable, and a hoist-type lifting mechanism. The hoist-type lifting mechanism includes a first adjustable pulley, a second adjustable pulley, and an adjustable cable interconnected between the first adjustable pulley and the second adjustable pulley. The first adjustable pulley includes a first fixed conical member with a first conical surface and a first moveable conical member with a second conical surface. The first conical surface and the second conical surface form a first trapezoid-shape groove between the first fixed conical member and the first moveable conical member. The first trapezoid-shape groove is configured to receive the adjusting cable. The first conical surface and the second conical surface are configured to hold the adjusting cable inside the first trapezoid-shape groove.