Elevator Belt Guide Features for Centering and Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems using belts with crowned traction sheaves experience uneven pressure distribution and load sharing, leading to increased wear and potential slippage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating belt guide features with a curvilinear cross-section and lower durometer than the traction surface on the belt, which interact with guide sheaves to align the belt properly, reducing the need for crowned traction sheaves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a crowned traction sheave is used to ensure centering of the belt, then the belt is centered within the groove, but uneven pressure distribution on the jacket and uneven load sharing by the cords occur
Solution Approach 1:
The belt guide feature is segmented into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) with different curvatures, allowing each segment to address specific centering requirements while distributing pressure more evenly across the belt width
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the belt guide feature have different curvatures tailored to specific locations - the first section has a first curvature for initial centering, the second section has a second curvature for fine adjustment, and the third section has a third curvature for final positioning, creating locally optimized pressure distribution
2Stability of the object's composition
If a crowned traction sheave is used to center the belt, then centering is achieved, but increased wear and potential slippage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The belt guide feature performs preliminary centering action on the belt before it contacts the traction sheave, ensuring the belt is properly positioned in advance. This preliminary alignment prevents misalignment during traction contact, reducing wear and slippage
Solution Approach 2:
The belt guide feature acts as an intermediary element between the belt and the traction sheave, preparing the belt for optimal contact with the traction sheave and eliminating the need for the sheave to perform centering function that causes wear
3Stress or pressure
If belt guide features with curvilinear cross-section are used to align the belt, then even load distribution is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The belt guide feature is integrated directly into the belt structure as an inseparable component rather than being a separate external mechanism. This merging of functions (guidance + traction) into a single unified structure achieves even load distribution without adding separate guiding devices
Solution Approach 2:
The belt guide feature performs multiple functions simultaneously - it provides structural support to the belt, guides the belt into proper alignment, and distributes load evenly across the belt width, eliminating the need for separate dedicated centering mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A belt (18) for an elevator system including a plurality of tension members (32) arranged along a belt width and a jacket material (36) at least partially encapsulating the plurality of tension members (32) defining a traction surface (28) interactive with a traction sheave of an elevator system and a back surface (30) opposite the traction surface (28). The back surface (30) includes a belt guide feature (42) extending along a belt length and interactive with a complimentary guide sheave feature (44) of a guide sheave (26) of the elevator system to orient the belt (18) to a selected location during operation of the elevator system.