Elevator Counterweight Holder Tool-Free Guide Rail Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing and maintaining elevator systems, particularly the temporary fixation of counterweights, are complex and often require tools, relying on frictional locking which can be time-consuming and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

A counterweight holder with a carrier and hook elements that attach to guide rails via positive locking, allowing for easy manual attachment and detachment without tools, ensuring stable support and easy installation, maintenance, or repair of elevator systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frictional engagement with multiple clamping elements is used to fix the counterweight holder to the guide rail, then the fixation is ensured, but the installation and maintenance process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of clamping elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of fixation from the complex multi-element clamping system and implements it through a single hook element that engages with the guide rail. This simplifies the device by removing unnecessary clamping elements while maintaining reliable fixation through the positive engagement of the hook with the rail profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using frictional engagement that requires tightening multiple clamping elements, the patent inverts the approach by using a hook element that provides positive mechanical engagement. This inversion changes the fixation mechanism from friction-based to geometry-based, eliminating the need for multiple elements and complex tightening procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If multiple clamping elements with screws and nuts are used to tighten the holder to the guide rail, then secure fixation is achieved, but the installation and maintenance process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder fixationVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the time-consuming elements of screw and nut tightening by extracting only the essential fixation function. The single hook element provides secure attachment to the guide rail through simple engagement, eliminating the need for multiple fastening operations and significantly reducing installation and maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook element is designed to be self-installing through simple engagement with the guide rail profile. The design allows the holder to attach and detach itself without requiring external tools or complex tightening procedures, enabling quick installation and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If tool-based fixation methods are used to attach the counterweight holder to the guide rail, then secure attachment is ensured, but the process requires additional tools and increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidtool-free operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hook element is designed to perform the attachment function itself through its geometric shape that complements the guide rail profile. The holder attaches and detaches through simple manual manipulation of the hook, eliminating the need for external tools while maintaining secure attachment through positive engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional tool-based fixation approach by designing a system where the holder itself provides the fixation mechanism through its hook element. This inversion eliminates the need for separate tools, making the operation simpler while ensuring reliable attachment through the hook-rail engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4067282B1Method for installing and/or maintaining an elevator system
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 INVENTIO AG
  • EP4067282B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4067282B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4067282B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a counterweight holder (100) for holding a counterweight (300) of an elevator system (302). The counterweight holder (100) comprises a support (102) for carrying the counterweight (300) and a hook element (104) for attaching the support (102) to a guide rail (304) of the elevator system (302), wherein the support (102) can be positively locked to the guide rail (304) by hooking the hook element (104) into an opening (307) in the guide rail (304).