Elevator Traveling Cable Guide Frame Sway Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face challenges in preventing the sway of traveling cables, especially in high-rise buildings, where the cables can mechanically interfere with hoistway components due to seismic conditions, and existing solutions like screens are not effective or cost-efficient.
Innovation Solution
A traveling cable support system comprising multiple guide frames that move along the cable and support, with stops and coatings to reduce friction, allowing the guide frames to engage with the cable and support structures, thereby stabilizing the cable and preventing sway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a screen is installed in the hoistway to protect components from traveling cable interference, then component protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A guide frame is introduced as an intermediary component between the traveling cable and hoistway components. The guide frame engages with the traveling cable and guides it along a predetermined path, preventing direct contact with brackets and other components while avoiding the need for complex screening structures
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful sway motion of the traveling cable is extracted and redirected through the guide frame structure. The guide frame separates the cable's natural swaying motion from the hoistway components, allowing the cable to move freely within the guided path while preventing interference with surrounding structures
2Length of moving object
If the traveling cable length is increased for high rise buildings, then building height capability is improved, but cable sway and mechanical interference worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The guide frame is designed to move vertically along with the elevator car, maintaining dynamic engagement with the traveling cable throughout its entire length. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to cable length variations in high rise buildings while continuously providing stability and preventing sway
Solution Approach 2:
The guide frame introduces a vertical dimension to cable guidance by engaging with the traveling cable at multiple points along its length and guiding it through a predetermined vertical path. This dimensional approach stabilizes the cable against lateral sway while accommodating the extended length required for high rise applications
3Reliability
If seismic conditions are present, then building safety is improved, but traveling cable sway and interference worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The guide frame provides preliminary anti-action by continuously engaging with the traveling cable and preventing sway motion before it can develop into significant interference with hoistway components. This preventive guidance system is particularly effective during seismic events when unexpected cable movement occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The guide frame's vertical movement capability allows it to dynamically respond to seismic conditions, maintaining engagement with the traveling cable during building motion. The system adapts to changing conditions in real-time, providing continuous stabilization without rigid constraints that could compromise building safety
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 solution effectively prevents the sway of traveling cables, reducing mechanical interference with hoistway components and providing a cost-effective alternative to existing solutions by ensuring smooth operation and alignment of the cable as the elevator car moves.
Implementation Method 1
the guide frame includes a coating to reduce friction between the guide frame and the traveling cable support and/or the traveling cable
Data Source
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AI summary
An elevator system (10) includes an elevator car (14) movable along a hoistway (12), a traveling cable (26) operably connected to the elevator car (14) and movable along the hoistway (12) with the elevator car (14), and a traveling cable support (36) positioned in the hoistway (12) and operably connected to the traveling cable (26) to prevent sway of the traveling cable (26). A traveling cable (26) and traveling cable support arrangement for an elevator system (10) includes a traveling cable (26) positioned in a hoistway (12) and movable in the hoistway (12) during elevator system operation, and a traveling cable support (36) positioned in the hoistway (12) and operably connected to the traveling cable (26) to prevent sway of the traveling cable (26), the traveling cable support (36) operably connected to the traveling cable (26) via a plurality of guide frames (38).