Coplanar Pulley Elevator System for Space-Constrained Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems with coaxially arranged pulleys face issues such as increased space requirements, abrasion on guide elements, and higher traction power due to overturning momentum, which restrict the use of belts and necessitate large pulley diameters, and are not suitable for installations without counterweights.
Innovation Solution
The use of coplanar pulleys with decreasing diameters and belts with specific cross-sectional designs, such as flat or arcuate surfaces, along with internal reinforcing wires and means to increase friction, allows for efficient operation without lateral deviations and reduced power requirements, enabling smaller pulley sizes and reduced space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If coaxially arranged pulleys are used to reduce space in vertical direction, then space requirements are reduced, but belts cannot be used as support means and require particular assisting elements, and cords require pulleys with very large diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from coaxial arrangement (all pulleys at same level) to coplanar arrangement (pulleys in vertical line), changing the spatial configuration dimension. This allows belts to naturally follow the vertical path without requiring additional guide elements, while maintaining compact vertical space usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional guide elements or assisting elements that were required in coaxial arrangements. By using coplanar pulleys, the belt can be directly supported without extra components, simplifying the overall system.
2Area of stationary object
If coaxially arranged pulleys are used, then space is reduced, but they generate overturning momentum on the cabin resulting in major abrasion on guide elements and increase of traction power
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from coaxial to coplanar arrangement, the patent eliminates the overturning moment that causes abrasion. The coplanar configuration allows the belt to follow a smooth vertical path without creating lateral forces that would otherwise wear on guide elements.
3Ease of operation
If cords and pulleys with large grooves are used to solve belt lateral deviation, then lateral deviations are eliminated, but pulleys require very large diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses coplanar arrangement in the vertical dimension to eliminate lateral deviations naturally, without requiring large pulley diameters. The belt follows the vertical plane of the coplanar pulleys, preventing lateral excursions without needing oversized pulley grooves.
4Power
If coplanar pulleys with decreasing diameter are used, then power requirements are reduced by a factor of 4 to 6, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pulley system into multiple segments (several pulleys) arranged coplanar in vertical line with decreasing diameters. This segmentation creates a compound pulley system that provides mechanical advantage, reducing the required traction power while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
This configuration reduces power requirements by a factor of 4 to 6, eliminates the need for lateral guide elements, and provides silent and vibration-free operation, making it suitable for elevators with or without counterweights, especially in space-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of pulleys arranged in each group of pulleys is intended to correspondingly reduce—according to the well known principle of multiple pulleys or sheaves—the power required for lifting the cabin
Implementation Method 2
This arrangement is useful where no counterweight is installed, allowing a 'lifting by friction' without compensation for the weight of the cabin
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator comprising a cabin (1), vertical guide elements (2, 3) for guiding said cabin, at least one suspension or support belt (4, 5), groups of pulleys associated to the guide elements and the cabin; each of said groups of pulleys is composed of at least two coplanar pulleys arranged on parallel axles and vertically one above the other; each of the groups of pulleys comprises pulleys having a diameter decreasing from a pulley of a maximum diameter to a pulley of a minimum diameter. Preferred embodiments of the belts having one or two concave or convex surfaces and internal reinforcing wires are disclosed.