Compact Elevator Motor with Nested Brake Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional elevator motor units are bulky and heavy due to the need for a long motor shaft to accommodate brakes, bearings, and traction sheaves, making them difficult to install and inefficient in terms of size and heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

A compact motor design with integrated braking systems and bearings, where the brake actuator's length is minimized to reduce overall length, and a ventilation system with openings around the brake rotor, shoe, and housing for efficient heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the motor shaft length is increased to accommodate brakes, bearings, and traction sheaves, then the motor can support all necessary components, but the motor becomes significantly longer and bulkier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent accommodationVSAvoidmotor shaft length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The brake actuator is positioned inside the bearing housing, with the brake actuator's piston rod extending through the bearing. This nested arrangement allows the brake actuator to be housed within the bearing structure, eliminating the need for separate axial space for both components and significantly reducing the overall motor shaft length while accommodating all necessary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the motor shaft length is increased to accommodate all components, then the components can be properly positioned, but the motor weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent positioningVSAvoidmotor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The brake actuator is nested within the bearing housing, eliminating the need for additional structural material that would be required for a longer motor shaft and separate component housings. This integration reduces the overall motor weight while maintaining proper component positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the motor shaft length is increased, then components can be accommodated, but installation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent capacityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compact nested design reduces the motor's overall length and complexity, making it easier to maneuver and install in confined elevator shaft spaces. The integrated structure requires fewer alignment adjustments and simplifies the installation process compared to a longer, more distributed component arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Length of stationary object

If the brake actuator length is reduced to compact the motor, then the overall motor size decreases, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor sizeVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A ventilation system with openings in the housing serves as an intermediary heat dissipation pathway. The openings allow air flow through the motor housing, carrying away heat generated by the brake and motor components, thus enabling compact dimensions while maintaining effective thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 compact motor design reduces size and weight, facilitating easier installation and effective heat dissipation, preventing high peak temperatures and improving thermal capacity.

Implementation Method 1

a ventilation system with openings around the brake rotor, shoe, and housing for efficient heat dissipation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a ventilation system with openings around the brake rotor, shoe, and housing for efficient heat dissipation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20180162687A1Compact Motor Arrangement with Integrated Brakes and Shaft Bearings

Publication Date: 2018.06.14 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR INNOVATION AND OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

A motor for use with an elevator system may include a housing, a motor shaft surrounded by the housing and having at least a first end extending outward from the housing, a motor body arranged around a central portion of the motor shaft and positioned within the housing, at least one sheave positioned at the first end of the motor shaft and rotatable with the motor shaft, and a braking system positioned at a first end of the housing. The braking system may include a brake rotor connected to and rotatable with the motor shaft and closing an axial opening at the first end of the housing, a brake shoe positioned at the first end of the housing, and a brake actuator configured to selectively move the brake shoe between a brake position in which the brake shoe is in contact with the brake rotor to resist rotation of the motor shaft and a rotation position in which the brake shoe is free from contact with the brake rotor.