Elevator Belt Metalized Polymer Coating Fire Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems using belts as load-bearing members face challenges in fire resistance, as existing materials may not adequately prevent flame propagation and protect the tension members from environmental factors and wear.
Innovation Solution
A metalized polymer coating layer is applied to the jacket material of the belt, which includes a ductile metal, such as aluminum or copper, to enhance fire safety by preventing flame propagation and protecting the tension members, and is applied through methods like melt adhesion or extrusion, with the coating extending onto the traction and back surfaces or interlocking within grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing belt materials are used without metalized polymer coating, then the belt can maintain good flexibility and wear resistance, but fire resistance and flame propagation prevention are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a metalized polymer coating layer over the belt jacket material to create a composite structure. The coating layer comprises a polymer matrix with metal particles or flakes dispersed throughout, combining the flexibility and adhesion properties of the polymer with the fire-resistant and flame-blocking properties of the metal components. This composite material approach directly addresses the fire resistance requirement while maintaining belt flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the belt surface by applying a metalized coating. The coating changes the surface composition from pure polymer or elastomer to a metal-polymer composite, altering properties such as flame resistance, thermal stability, and surface hardness. The metal particles in the coating create a physical barrier that slows flame propagation and protects the underlying tension members from fire damage.
2Reliability
If a metalized polymer coating layer is applied to the belt, then fire resistance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing process become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The metalized polymer coating is applied to the belt jacket material during the manufacturing process, before the belt is put into service. This preliminary application ensures that the fire-resistant properties are built into the belt structure from the beginning, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing fire protection measures and simplifying the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a metalized polymer coating creates a multi-layer composite structure that integrates fire protection functionality into the existing belt design. Rather than adding separate fire suppression systems or complex protective mechanisms, the coating itself provides the fire resistance, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the necessary safety properties.
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 metalized polymer coating significantly improves fire safety by preventing flame spread and protecting the belt components, ensuring reliable operation and safety in high-rise elevator systems.
Implementation Method 1
enhance fire safety by preventing flame propagation and protecting the tension members
Implementation Method 2
the metalized polymer coating layer is applied to the jacket material through melt adhesion
Data Source
AI summary
A belt for an elevator system is provided. The belt includes a plurality of tension members arranged along a belt width. A jacket material at least partially encapsulates the plurality of tension members. The jacket material includes a traction surface and a back surface opposite the traction surface together defining a belt thickness therebetween. The jacket material also includes two end surfaces extending between the traction surface and the back surface and defining the belt width therebetween. A metalized polymer coating layer is disposed over at least one of the two end surfaces.