Elevator Belt V-Rib Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator belts with V-ribs experience significant elastic deformation under high surface pressures, reducing their lifespan and impairing the frictional connection with tension members, leading to inefficient power transmission and potential jamming with drive wheels.
Innovation Solution
The elevator belt features a V-rib arrangement with multiple V-ribs and tension members, supported by a backing layer with protruding webs that distribute tensile forces and prevent deformation, allowing for smaller, more flexible V-ribs and improved frictional engagement with drive wheels, while the backing layer is made of thermoplastics for stability and the V-ribs of elastomers for high surface pressure resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If V-ribs are made larger to withstand high surface pressures, then strength is improved, but flexibility and ability to deflect around smaller pulleys deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The belt structure is segmented into multiple discrete V-ribs distributed across the belt width. Each V-rib is an independent structural element that can be optimized for strength while the collective arrangement provides overall flexibility. The segmentation allows each rib to be smaller and stiffer individually, yet the ensemble maintains belt flexibility through the distributed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-ribs are constructed using composite material structures combining rigid materials for the rib core with flexible materials for the surrounding elastomer matrix. This composite approach enables the V-ribs to maintain structural integrity under high surface pressures while the flexible matrix material allows the overall belt to deflect around smaller pulleys effectively.
2Power
If V-ribs are subjected to high surface pressures to transmit drive forces, then power transmission is improved, but elastic deformation increases reducing belt life
Solution Approach 1:
The V-ribs are designed with optimized curved geometries including specific flank angles and rounded edges. These curved profiles distribute contact pressures more evenly across the rib surfaces, reducing stress concentration points that would otherwise lead to premature deformation and failure. The curvature optimization allows effective power transmission while minimizing detrimental elastic deformation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes multiple geometric parameters of the V-ribs including width, height, flank angle, and tip radius. By carefully selecting these parameters, the ribs achieve the necessary strength to withstand drive forces while limiting elastic deformation amplitude. The parameter optimization ensures the ribs operate in a regime where power transmission is efficient but deformation-induced fatigue is minimized.
3Reliability
If V-ribs deform under surface pressure, then engagement with drive wheel is maintained, but frictional connection with tension members deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The belt structure exhibits local quality differentiation where the V-rib regions are optimized for drive wheel engagement with appropriate hardness and friction characteristics, while the surrounding elastomer matrix provides flexibility and tension member accommodation. The local material properties and geometric features are specifically tailored for each functional requirement, ensuring reliable drive engagement without compromising the frictional connection to tension members.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-ribs are designed with dimensions and material properties that provide slightly more rigidity than the minimum required for drive wheel engagement. This partial excessive action ensures consistent engagement reliability while the controlled deformation within design limits maintains adequate frictional contact with tension members. The design operates with a safety margin that prevents deformation from reaching levels that would impair frictional connections.
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 design enhances the service life of the elevator belt by reducing deformation, improving frictional connection and power transmission, and increasing the reliability by stabilizing V-ribs and preventing shear stresses, thus enhancing the overall performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomer wedge ribs deform under the sometimes high surface pressures that occur. These alternating deformations disadvantageously reduce the life of the elevator belt.
Implementation Method 2
They can also impair the frictional connection between the belt body and the tension members accommodated therein and thus the power transmission in the tension members. Deformation of a V-rib can also impair the frictional connection of this V-rib or an adjacent V-rib with the associated V-groove in the drive wheel.
Implementation Method 3
The tension members of the tension member arrangement preferably comprise strands or ropes made from single or multiple twisted wires and/or plastic yarns.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The belt (12) has a wedge rib arrangement (15) comprising two wedge ribs (15.1) extending in a longitudinal direction of the belt. A traction support arrangement i.e. wire rope arrangement, has traction supports (14.1, 14.2) and a back layer (13). The back layer forms a flat profile on a side that forms a back side of the belt. The back layer has a bar (13.1), which extends in a longitudinal direction of the belt, where the bar and the back layer are designed as a single piece. The bar protrudes into the wedge rib arrangement at a contact side in an area, which connects two adjacent ribs. The wedge ribs are used as guiding ribs. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a lift belt.