Basalt Fiber Elevator Belt Tension Members for Fire Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator systems using carbon fiber composite tension members face reduced high-temperature performance, which affects the fire resistance and operational reliability of the load-bearing members.
Innovation Solution
The use of basalt mineral fibers with a polybenzoxazine matrix in the tension members, which provides enhanced fire resistance, high temperature performance, and strength, with a sustained operating temperature of about 820°C and melting temperature of about 1450°C, along with a density of 2.75 g/cm3 and tensile strength of 4840 MPa, addresses the limitations of carbon fiber composites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If carbon fiber composite tension members are used, then strength to weight characteristics are improved, but high temperature performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining basalt fibers with a polymer matrix to create tension members that achieve both lightweight properties and high temperature resistance. The basalt fiber composite structure maintains strength at elevated temperatures while keeping the overall weight low, resolving the contradiction between weight efficiency and thermal performance.
2Strength
If carbon fiber composite tension members are used, then strength to weight characteristics are improved, but fire resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses basalt fiber composite materials that inherently provide fire resistance while maintaining high strength-to-weight ratio. The mineral-based basalt fibers do not combust like organic materials, creating a composite that simultaneously achieves lightweight strength and fire safety requirements.
3Temperature
If steel wire tension members are used, then high temperature performance is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs basalt fiber composites as an alternative to steel wires, achieving comparable high temperature performance through the heat-resistant properties of mineral fibers while significantly reducing weight. The composite structure provides thermal stability without the dense mass of metallic materials.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If basalt fiber tension members are used, then fire resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses manufacturing complexity by optimizing the polymer matrix selection and processing parameters to work effectively with basalt fibers. By carefully selecting matrix materials and controlling curing conditions, the patent achieves fire-resistant performance while maintaining manufacturability through standardized composite processing techniques.
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 basalt fiber-based tension members offer superior high-temperature performance and fire resistance, ensuring the elevator system's reliability and safety by maintaining structural integrity and operational capability under extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of mineral load carrying fibers are configured to enhance a fire resistance of the tension members
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of mineral load carrying fibers have a tensile strength of about 4840 megapascals (MPa)
Implementation Method 3
The use of basalt mineral fibers with a polybenzoxazine matrix in the tension members
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A belt 16 for an elevator system 10 includes a plurality of tension members 24 arranged along a belt width and extending longitudinally along a length of the belt. Each tension member includes a plurality of mineral load carrying fibers 42 arranged in a matrix material. A jacket material 28 at least partially encapsulates the plurality of tension members. Each tension member includes a plurality of mineral load carrying fibers arranged in a matrix material 44. The mineral load carrying fibers are basalt load carrying fibers. An elevator system includes a hoistway 14, an elevator car 12 positioned in the hoistway and movable therein and a belt operably connected to the elevator car to suspend and/or drive the elevator car along the hoistway.