Elevator Belt Termination Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator systems using carbon fiber cord belts face issues with termination device bending, leading to cracking and breakage due to tight radii requirements, and low compressive strength, which necessitates gentle clamping to prevent fiber crushing.
Innovation Solution
A termination assembly with a fixed and moving wedge system, including a bearing assembly with roller elements, applies contact pressure to retain the elevator belt without bending, utilizing a tubular termination body and optimized wedge configurations to manage pressure and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional termination devices with tight bend radius (12mm or less) are used to retain the belt, then the belt can be securely retained, but the carbon fiber cords crack and break due to tight bending
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the bend radius parameter from tight (12mm or less) to a larger radius that does not cause carbon fiber cracking. The termination device is designed with a curved path having a radius of curvature greater than 12mm, allowing the belt to be retained securely while preventing damage to the carbon fiber cords.
2Reliability
If high clamping pressure is applied at the termination to secure the belt, then the belt can be firmly retained, but the carbon fiber members are crushed due to low compressive strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a bearing assembly as an intermediary between the wedge and the carbon fiber cords. This bearing assembly distributes the clamping pressure from the wedge over a larger area, reducing the pressure intensity on the carbon fiber members while still providing firm belt retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure distribution parameter by using a bearing assembly that spreads the clamping force. Instead of concentrated high pressure, the system uses distributed lower pressure that achieves firm retention without exceeding the compressive strength limits of the carbon fiber members.
3Weight of moving object
If carbon fiber cords are used to reduce belt weight, then weight savings are achieved, but the cords are susceptible to cracking under tight bending and have low compressive strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the termination device to accommodate the material properties of carbon fiber. By increasing the bend radius and distributing clamping pressure, the system enables the use of lightweight carbon fiber cords while compensating for their susceptibility to bending damage and low compressive strength through design modifications.
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 secures the elevator belt without causing damage, ensuring reliable operation and extending the lifespan of carbon fiber belts by distributing pressure evenly and preventing cracking or breakage.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing assembly with roller elements retained in a roller cage
Implementation Method 2
the moving wedge surfaces are urged to move relative to the fixed wedge surfaces to apply a contact pressure to the elevator belt thus retaining the elevator belt at the termination body
Data Source
AI summary
A termination assembly (28) for an elevator belt (16) includes a termination body (40) and a fixed wedge (48) secured to the termination body (40) and having a plurality of fixed wedge surfaces (52). A moving wedge (56) is located in the termination body (40) and has a plurality of moving wedge surfaces (60) interactive with the fixed wedge surfaces (52). When an elevator belt (16) is inserted into the termination body (40) between the moving wedge (56) and the termination body (40) and a tension load is applied to the elevator belt (16), the moving wedge surfaces (60) are urged to move relative to the fixed wedge surfaces (52) to apply a contact pressure to the elevator belt (16) thus retaining the elevator belt (16) at the termination body (40).