Composite Elevator Strips for Load Redundancy and Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator systems rely on steel cables for suspension and transmission, which may not provide sufficient redundancy or durability, leading to potential failures in load carrying and transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Development of strips that function as both suspension and transmission structures, replacing steel cables, with various configurations such as single or multiple layers, components, and materials like carbon fibers and polyurethane, designed for load carrying, safety, and transmission functions, including surface patterns for enhanced friction and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steel cables are used for suspension and transmission, then the elevator system can be simplified, but the reliability and redundancy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent suspension elements (cables or chains) arranged in parallel, where each element can independently carry load. This segmentation provides redundancy so that if one element fails, the others continue to support the elevator car, thereby improving reliability without requiring a single complex fail-safe mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are selected for different components based on their specific functional requirements. For example, high-strength steel cables are used for suspension elements requiring maximum tensile strength, while chain elements are used where flexibility and resistance to compression are needed. This local optimization of material properties ensures each component performs its specific function reliably.
2Productivity
If steel cables are used for transmission, then the structure is simple, but the friction and transmission efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The surface properties of transmission elements are modified through patterned surfaces (e.g., ribs, grooves, or textured finishes) to increase the coefficient of friction between the transmission element and the sheave or drum. This parameter change in surface texture enhances grip and transmission efficiency, allowing for more effective force transfer without requiring complex transmission mechanisms.
3Reliability
If redundancy is added to the suspension system, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple suspension elements are combined into a single integrated suspension system that operates as a unified structure. The cables or chains are arranged in parallel and work together to support the elevator car, with the sheave or drum serving as a common interaction point for all elements. This merging approach provides redundancy while avoiding the complexity of separate, independently controlled suspension systems.
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 strips provide improved load carrying capacity, safety through redundancy, and efficient transmission with increased friction, reducing the risk of failure and enhancing the overall performance of elevator systems.
Implementation Method 1
the strip contacts the sheave in an engagement surface area to provide friction to prevent slippage
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension and transmission device for use with an elevator system comprises one or more strips that provide load carrying, transmission or traction, and load carrying redundancy or safety functions for the elevator system. In one version a single strip comprised of polymer and composite materials provides these functions. In another version multiple strips comprised of polymer and composite materials provide these functions. In another version, a strip comprises a hollow interior portion. In another version one or more strips incorporate materials that can be detected when using the strip to monitor the condition of the one or more strips.