Elevator Belt Resurfacing via Heated Roller Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems using coated steel belts experience wear over time, leading to altered surface roughness of the jacket material, which affects traction, noise, and ride quality, necessitating frequent maintenance and potential premature replacement.
Innovation Solution
A belt resurfacer system with heated rollers, positioned in the hoistway, that maintains the surface roughness of the belt by heating and pressing the belt to match the rollers' surface roughness, allowing in-situ restoration of the belt's surface characteristics without unroping, using temperatures between 140 to 180 degrees Celsius and pressures of 0.14 to 0.34 MPa.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the belt operates continuously over time, then the elevator system maintains operational functionality, but the surface roughness of the jacket material deteriorates due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The resurfacer performs preliminary restoration action on the belt surface before significant degradation occurs. By periodically applying heated rollers to the belt while it's in service, the system preemptively restores surface roughness, preventing the deterioration that would otherwise occur during continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt resurfacing system enables the belt to restore its own surface characteristics without removal from service. The belt passes through the resurfacer in its operational location, and the heated rollers transfer surface roughness directly to the belt, allowing the belt to service itself while remaining in the elevator system.
2Manufacturing precision
If the belt is removed for resurfacing, then the surface roughness can be restored, but the maintenance time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resurfacer is installed in advance within the hoistway, allowing belt resurfacing to be performed proactively during scheduled maintenance windows rather than waiting for failure. The system is prepared and positioned to immediately restore belt surface when maintenance is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt undergoes resurfacing in-situ without removal from the elevator system. The belt simply passes through the resurfacer mechanism while remaining installed, eliminating the time-consuming processes of belt removal, external resurfacing, and reinstallation.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional resurfacing methods are used, then the belt surface can be restored, but the process requires belt removal and complex external equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The resurfacer combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit installed within the hoistway: heating elements, pressure application mechanism, and surface transfer rollers are merged into one compact system that the belt passes through during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resurfacer system serves multiple purposes: it restores surface roughness, maintains belt traction characteristics, and can be integrated with existing elevator maintenance infrastructure. The heated rollers both heat the belt and transfer their surface roughness pattern to the belt simultaneously.
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 effectively maintains the belt's surface roughness, improving traction and operational characteristics, reducing maintenance time and extending the belt's lifespan by allowing field repair without the need for premature replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the belt can be heated via one or more heater rods disposed at the resurfacing roller
Implementation Method 2
The resurfacing rollers are pressed against the belt with a selected pressure
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A resurfacer for a belt of an elevator system includes a resurfacing roller having a selected surface roughness and a heater element to heat the belt to a selected temperature. A biasing element urges the resurfacing roller into contact with the belt and applies a selected pressure to the belt. A method for altering a surface roughness of a belt of an elevator system includes positioning a resurfacing roller having a selected surface roughness at an outer surface of the belt and heating the belt to a selected temperature. A selected pressure is applied to the belt via the resurfacing roller. The belt is passed along the resurfacing roller and the surface roughness of the belt is altered via the resurfacing roller.