Modular Backup Power System for Elevator Emergency Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevators lack an efficient and cost-effective solution for emergency operation during power faults, requiring a backup power supply that is difficult to integrate and maintain, posing risks of electric shock and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular backup power system integrated within the elevator drive housing, featuring a snap-lock connection and insulated plastic or aluminum housings to minimize mechanical effort and reduce electric shock risks, utilizing a battery or supercapacitor for emergency operation, and leveraging regenerative energy to reduce battery size and maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a backup power supply is integrated into the elevator drive, then emergency operation capability is improved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency operation capabilityVSAvoidintegration difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backup power supply is segmented into a separate, modular unit that can be independently installed and maintained. This module contains the battery or supercapacitor and connects to the elevator drive through a standardized interface, allowing the backup function to be added without redesigning the entire drive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backup power supply module is designed with universal compatibility to work with different elevator drive models. A standardized mechanical and electrical interface allows the same backup module to serve multiple functions across different elevator systems, simplifying integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a traditional backup power supply installation is used, then emergency power capability is provided, but maintenance time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency power capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The backup power supply is divided into a standalone module that can be quickly removed and replaced without disassembling the elevator drive housing. This modular design allows maintenance personnel to swap backup modules in minutes rather than hours, significantly reducing maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backup power module is designed as a consumable component with a defined service life. When the battery or supercapacitor degrades, the entire module is replaced rather than repaired, reducing maintenance complexity and cost while ensuring reliable emergency power capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If electric components are accessible for maintenance, then ease of access is improved, but electric shock danger increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidelectric shock danger

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The backup power module is nested within the elevator drive housing, with the battery and electrical components contained inside protective enclosures. This nested structure allows the module to be accessed as a whole unit for maintenance while keeping dangerous components enclosed and isolated during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

An insulated interface connector serves as an intermediary between the backup power module and the elevator drive circuitry. This connector includes built-in insulation and protection features that allow electrical connection to be made safely, reducing electric shock danger while maintaining ease of module replacement.

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 solution enables reliable, low-cost emergency operation with reduced maintenance time, minimized electric shock hazards, and extended battery lifespan, using lithium-ion batteries for improved energy density and ecological benefits.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a battery or supercapacitor for emergency operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a battery or supercapacitor for emergency operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSupercapacitor: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

leveraging regenerative energy to reduce battery size and maintenance needs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRegenerative energy: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

featuring a snap-lock connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11332342B2Elevator

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 KONE OYJ

AI summary

The invention relates to an elevator comprising an elevator motor and an elevator drive comprising a backup power supply and an emergency drive module to enable release of trapped passengers in case of a power fault, based on the energy of the backup power supply, whereby the elevator drive comprises a drive housing and the backup power supply is located in a separate backup module which is releasably supported in a mounting position at the drive housing of the elevator drive, which backup module comprises an insulated backup module housing and an electric interface which connects to a complementary interface of the elevator drive located at the drive housing.