Aramid-Strand Elevator Belt for High Strength and Easier Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator belts are heavy, making assembly and disassembly difficult in tall buildings, and do not provide optimal load-bearing capacity and durability.
Innovation Solution
A belt for elevator systems using aramid fiber strands embedded in an elastomer material, with a groove profile on one side and a different profile on the other, designed for efficient tensile force transmission and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel cables are used as tension members in the belt, then high load-bearing capacity is achieved, but the belt becomes heavy and difficult to handle during assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the tension members from traditional steel cables to aramid fiber cables. Aramid fibers have significantly higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel, allowing the belt to maintain high load-bearing capacity while reducing overall weight. This material substitution directly resolves the contradiction between strength and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt employs a composite structure combining aramid fiber tension members with elastomer material. The aramid fibers provide tensile strength while the elastomer matrix provides flexibility, friction connection capability, and protection. This composite approach optimizes both mechanical performance and weight characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If the belt is made lighter using aramid fiber tension members, then ease of handling during assembly is improved, but the complexity of the belt structure increases due to the multi-strand, multi-fiber construction
Solution Approach 1:
The tension members are segmented into multiple strands, with each strand consisting of multiple aramid fibers twisted together. This segmentation provides flexibility in handling and installation while maintaining the required strength. The modular strand structure allows for easier manipulation during assembly compared to solid steel cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the construction parameters of the tension members from traditional steel cable configurations to multi-strand aramid fiber constructions. Specifically, each tension member comprises multiple strands with 6-12 fibers per strand, creating a structure that is both lightweight and manageable during installation.
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 belt is lighter, more durable, and maintains high load-bearing capacity, facilitating easier handling and installation, while providing improved cabin car load and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
multiple tension members embedded in the belt body for the purpose of transmitting tensile forces
Implementation Method 2
The frictional connection with the traction sheave is established via the belt body
Data Source
AI summary
A belt for carrying an elevator car and/or a counterweight of an elevator system includes a belt body with a traction side for contacting a traction sheave of the elevator system and a back side opposite the traction side. The belt body has a groove profile on the traction side adapted to an outer contour of the traction sheave, and has a profile on the back side deviating from the groove profile. Multiple tension members are embedded in the belt body for transmitting tensile forces, wherein each tension member is formed by multiple strands twisted together, and each strand is formed by multiple aramid fibers twisted together.