Auxiliary Pumping Unit for Hydraulic Elevator Backup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic elevator systems face challenges when the primary pumping unit fails, as access to the unit can be blocked by the elevator car, making maintenance or replacement cumbersome and risky, especially when manual lifting is required.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an auxiliary or secondary pump within the hydraulic elevator system, capable of driving the elevator car upward when the primary pump is inoperable, which includes a motor, pump, manifold, and conduits connected to a reservoir, allowing for fluid communication and pressure regulation to actuate the hydraulic cylinder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the primary pumping unit is located in the hoistway space at the lowest floor for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but when the elevator car is positioned at the lowest floor, access to the primary pumping unit is blocked and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to primary pumping unitVSAvoidmaintenance of primary pumping unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The pumping system is divided into two separate pumping units: a primary pumping unit and a secondary pumping unit. The secondary pumping unit is positioned at a different location (not blocked by the elevator car) while the primary pumping unit remains accessible when the car is at higher floors. This segmentation allows maintenance on either unit without being blocked by the elevator car position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary pumping unit acts as an intermediary backup system. When the primary pumping unit needs maintenance or fails, the secondary pumping unit can be activated to operate the elevator, and vice versa. This intermediary system ensures continuous operation and facilitates maintenance without blocking access issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual lifting of the elevator car is used when the primary pumping unit fails, then the system can be restored, but the process is cumbersome, time consuming, and involves safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoration capabilityVSAvoidrestoration process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary pumping unit is pre-installed and pre-positioned within the hydraulic system, ready for immediate activation when the primary pumping unit fails. The system includes pre-configured fluid communication pathways and control mechanisms that allow the secondary unit to take over without requiring manual lifting or complex restoration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service capability through the secondary pumping unit, which can automatically or semi-automatically restore elevator operation when the primary unit fails. The control system can detect primary unit failure and activate the secondary unit, eliminating the need for manual intervention and dangerous lifting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If an auxiliary pumping unit is added to provide backup capability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup capabilityVSAvoidpumping system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary pumping unit is designed to perform the same hydraulic functions as the primary pumping unit, making it a universal backup system. Both units connect to the same hydraulic circuitry and can interchangeably operate the elevator, providing redundancy without requiring entirely separate systems. This multi-functionality approach adds reliability while limiting complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables safe and efficient operation of the elevator system by providing a backup mechanism to lift the elevator car when the primary pump fails, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing safety risks, allowing for continued operation until the primary pump can be repaired or replaced.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic fluid is pumped to hydraulic cylinders to drive an elevator car upward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the force of gravity acting on the elevator car to drive the elevator car downward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10246302B2Auxiliary pumping unit

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR CORPORATION

AI summary

A pumping unit for use with a hydraulic elevator system includes a reservoir storing fluid, a first pump, and a second pump. The first pump is coupled with the reservoir and the elevator system to communicate fluid between the reservoir and the elevator system to actuate the elevator system. The second pump is also coupled with the reservoir and the elevator system to communicate fluid between the reservoir and the elevator system to actuate the elevator system. The second pump is selectively actuatable when the first pump is inactivated.