Elevator Blocking Member Cable Lever Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In machine roomless elevator systems, existing blocking members require significant manual effort or access into the hoistway to reset, posing challenges for maintaining adequate clearance during maintenance and inspection procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing cables and levers to automatically deploy and retract a blocking member, providing better leverage and allowing for easier manual resetting from a safer position outside the hoistway, reducing the effort and time required for an individual to reset the blocking member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manually resettable blocking member is used to prevent the counterweight from descending below a selected vertical position, then the clearance above the elevator car is maintained during maintenance procedures, but significant manual force or access into the hoistway is required to reset the blocking member
Solution Approach 1:
A cable system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the blocking member and the external control point. The cable transmits force from a convenient external location through the hoistway to the blocking member, enabling remote operation without direct access to the dangerous area.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical resetting operation is replaced by a cable-pulley system that provides mechanical advantage. This substitution transforms a difficult direct-manipulation task into an easier remote operation using leverage principles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation of the blocking member is required for resetting, then the blocking member can be controlled, but the time and effort required for maintenance procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system serves as a mediator that connects the operator outside the hoistway to the blocking member inside, enabling quick resetting operations without time-consuming entry into the restricted area.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system is pre-installed and positioned to provide immediate mechanical advantage, allowing the blocking member to be reset quickly when needed without requiring preparation or setup time.
3Ease of operation
If access into the pit or hoistway is required to reset the blocking member, then direct control is achieved, but safety risks to individuals increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system acts as a safe intermediary that transmits control force from a secure external location to the blocking member in the dangerous area, eliminating the need for personnel to enter the hazardous zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The resetting operation is extracted from the hazardous hoistway environment and relocated to a safe external position. The cable system enables the control function to be performed outside the dangerous area while still affecting the blocking member inside.
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 system efficiently maintains clearance above the elevator car during maintenance, reducing the effort needed to reset the blocking member and minimizing the time spent within the hoistway, enhancing safety and efficiency during inspection procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A cable (52) has a first end connected with the blocking member (32)... A lever (62) is connected to the cable (52)... providing better leverage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An exemplary device for controlling the position of a blocking member in an elevator hoistway includes a first cable that is connected to the blocking member near a first end of the first cable. A second cable has a first end and a second end. A lever is connected to the first cable and the second cable near the second ends of the cables. The first cable is connected near one end of the lever and the second end of the second cable is connected near an opposite end of the lever. Movement of the second cable causes corresponding movement of the lever and the first cable to change a position of the blocking member within the hoistway.