Elevator Belt Surface Construction with Wear-Resistant Strips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator belts face challenges in meeting performance and life requirements due to uneven wear caused by variations in surface composition, temperature, aging, and pressure distribution, leading to premature wear at specific sections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wear-resistant material strips on the traction surface and back surface of the belt, formed from materials like polyurethane, rubber, or fabrics, with specific additives to enhance friction and traction properties, and strategically positioned undercuts in high-wear regions to redistribute pressure and slip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single elastomer jacket material is used, then the belt structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the belt cannot meet both traction and wear resistance requirements over its entire service life
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket is divided into multiple material zones with different properties: a first elastomer material at the non-traction surface and a second elastomer material at the traction surface. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, with the second material providing enhanced wear resistance for the high-wear traction contact area while the first material provides overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the jacket are assigned different material compositions tailored to local requirements. The traction surface receives a second elastomer material with higher wear resistance specifically where contact with the drive sheave occurs, while other areas use the first elastomer material. This local quality approach ensures optimal performance at each location without requiring complex formulations throughout the entire jacket.
2Reliability
If complex formulations with multiple additives are used, then wear resistance and traction can be improved, but the formulation complexity increases and requalification is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one complex formulation throughout, the patent segments the jacket into two material zones. The second elastomer material at the traction surface contains wear-resistant additives concentrated where they are most needed, while the first elastomer material has a simpler composition for non-critical areas. This reduces overall formulation complexity while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Wear-resistant additives and friction modifiers are localized to the second elastomer material at the traction surface where high wear and slip occur. This local concentration of additives provides the necessary performance enhancement without requiring complex formulations throughout the entire jacket, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and requalification requirements.
3Reliability
If uniform pressure and slip distribution is achieved, then wear is more evenly distributed, but the belt cannot adapt to varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket is designed with different material properties at different locations to locally adapt to varying operating conditions. The second elastomer material at the traction surface has higher wear resistance specifically where high slip and pressure occur during acceleration and deceleration, while the first elastomer material at the non-traction surface provides flexibility and conformability. This allows the belt to adapt to varying loads and speeds without requiring uniform properties throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-material jacket construction allows the belt to dynamically respond to varying operating conditions. Under high-load conditions with increased slip, the wear-resistant second material at the traction surface becomes actively engaged. Under normal operating conditions, the belt operates with standard friction characteristics. This dynamic adaptation occurs automatically based on the physical state of operation without requiring active control.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the belt is designed for 10-20 year life, then long-term reliability is achieved, but the belt must withstand cumulative wear and aging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The second elastomer material with enhanced wear resistance is pre-installed at the traction surface before the belt enters service. This preliminary protective layer is positioned exactly where high-wear mechanisms will act during operation, providing immediate protection against wear and aging from the first day of service. The material is selected to resist degradation from heat, oxidation, and mechanical wear that accumulate over the 10-20 year service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The jacket composition is locally optimized at the traction surface with the second elastomer material that has superior resistance to wear, heat, and oxidation. This localized enhancement provides targeted protection against the harmful factors that most affect belt life during operation. The first elastomer material maintains adequate protection in non-critical areas, creating a balanced approach to extending overall belt service life.
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
This solution effectively extends the belt's lifespan by reducing wear and improving traction, allowing the belt to meet performance targets over its intended life without requiring complex requalification of the jacket material, thus addressing the issue of uneven wear and pressure distribution.
Implementation Method 1
one or more material strips are applied over the traction surface... an elastomer having friction properties different from the first material
Implementation Method 2
the second material is configured to counteract wear of the belt... a wear resistant elastomer, a wear resistant fabric
Implementation Method 3
one or more undercuts are located in the jacket in regions of predicted wear, in particular high levels of wear... to redistribute pressure and slip
Implementation Method 4
redistribute pressure and slip
Implementation Method 5
provides a frictional load path to provide traction for driving the belt
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A belt (16) for suspending and/or driving an elevator car includes a plurality of tension elements (28) extending longitudinally along a length of the belt (16), and a jacket (30) at least partially encapsulating the plurality of tension elements (28). The jacket (30) defines a traction surface (36) of the belt (16) configured to be interactive with a drive sheave and a back surface (38) opposite the traction surface (36). The jacket (30) is formed from a first material. One or more material strips (46) are located at one or more of the traction surface (36) or the back surface (38) to improve one or more operational characteristics of the belt (16). The one or more material strips (46) are formed from a second material different from the first material.