Elevator Belt Connecting Devices for Cord Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator system belts with wire cords experience fretting wear and wire breakage due to relative movements, leading to the need for frequent replacements, even when within safety limits, as existing connecting devices are complex and require high forces to establish electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A belt assembly with a first and second connecting device, each featuring cord contacting elements that provide electrical connections, including bridge-type elements to connect two cords, and a method of mounting using a slot and screw mechanism that simplifies the process of establishing electrical connections and short-circuits between cords, facilitating monitoring of belt condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connecting devices with multiple screws and acute tips are used to establish electrical connections between cords, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases and high mounting forces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into two separate components: a clamp portion that mechanically secures the belt section, and a contact portion that establishes electrical connections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A bridge-type contacting element is introduced as an intermediary component that extends between two adjacent cords to establish electrical connection. This bridge element simplifies the mounting process by requiring only insertion and clamping, eliminating the need for multiple screws and high forces while ensuring reliable electrical contact.
2Strength
If traditional connecting devices requiring high forces to urge tips into cords are used, then secure mechanical attachment is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the mechanical clamping function (clamp portion) from the electrical contact function (contact portion), the device allows the clamp to provide strong mechanical attachment through screw tightening, while the contact portion is simply inserted and held in place, dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge-type contacting element is designed to be self-retaining within the clamp portion once inserted. The clamp's closing action automatically secures the contact element in position without requiring additional fastening steps, making the mounting process simple and intuitive.
3Reliability
If multiple separate cord contacting elements are used to connect each cord individually, then comprehensive electrical monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cord contacting functions are merged into a single bridge-type element that simultaneously contacts two adjacent cords. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive electrical monitoring capability across all cords in the belt.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge-type contacting element serves multiple functions: it establishes electrical connection between two cords, provides mechanical support within the clamp, and enables monitoring of both cords simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining monitoring reliability.
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 allows for easier and more efficient mounting and operation of connecting devices on elevator system belts, reducing the complexity of establishing electrical connections and enabling effective monitoring of belt condition, thereby extending the lifespan of the belts beyond tolerable fretting and wire breakage limits.
Implementation Method 1
cord contacting elements that provide electrical connections contacting element-to-cord... providing electrical connection to both cords, thereby electrically connecting the two cords
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
1. An assembly comprising (a) a belt, which includes a plurality of wire cords extending lengthwise of the belt with spaces therebetween, and includes a coating of the cords extending into the spaces between the cords, said belt being configured for use in an elevator system as a suspension belt for a car and a counterweight, or being configured for use in an elevator system as a drive belt for a car or for a counterweight, or being configured for use in an elevator system as a combined suspension and drive belt for a car and a counterweight; (b) a first connecting device including a first number of cord contacting elements providing electrical connections contacting element-to-cord; and (c) a second connecting device, including a second number of cord contacting elements providing electrical connections contacting element-to-cord, and including at least two conductive elements, each being electrically connected to a respective one of the cord contacting elements, the conductive elements being provided for making electrical connections to a belt monitoring unit which monitors the proper condition of the cords on the basis of electrical signals passed through the cords; (d) wherein at least one of the first and second connecting devices includes at least one bridge type cord contacting element, which extends into the gap between two cords and provides electrical connection to both cords, thereby electrically connecting the two cords.