Elevator Door Unlocking Blocking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door unlocking devices in elevator systems lack a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for securely blocking the safety switch to prevent unauthorized resetting during maintenance, posing a risk to mechanics.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-cost blocking device with a spreadable fixing portion and matching threads, featuring a cylindrical shape and engagement elements, which can be securely engaged within an access opening using a key, and optionally locked with a padlock to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking device is designed to be secure and reliable for blocking door unlocking devices, then safety is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is divided into two separate elements: an outer element with engagement elements and an inner element with a spreadable fixing portion. This segmentation allows each element to have a specific, simple function while together they provide reliable blocking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner element is inserted into the outer element, with the inner element's spreadable fixing portion expanding within the outer element's hollow space. This nested configuration provides a compact design that maintains reliability while minimizing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a blocking device is made compact and simple for easy handling and storage, then ease of operation is improved, but blocking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spreadable fixing portion transitions from a compact state during handling to an expanded state during blocking operation. This dynamic transformation allows the device to be both easy to handle in its compact form and highly reliable when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the fixing portion changes from compressed to expanded, altering its volume and engagement capability. This parameter change enables the device to maintain reliability while remaining compact for storage and handling.
3Reliability
If the blocking device uses a spreadable fixing portion for secure engagement, then blocking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spreadable fixing portion automatically engages with the access opening structure when the inner element is inserted into the outer element. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex adjustment or alignment procedures, providing reliable blocking without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device appears to be designed as a simple, possibly single-use or limited-use device with straightforward mechanical components. This approach prioritizes reliability and ease of manufacture over long-term durability, reducing structural complexity.
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 blocking device effectively prevents accidental loosening or removal, ensuring the safety switch remains locked during maintenance, allowing mechanics to safely enter the hoistway while being easy to produce and handle.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the inner and outer elements may comprise a tapered and/or curved surface which is configured to cause the spreadable fixing portion to spread when the inner element is introduced into the outer element.
Implementation Method 2
The outer element may comprise an inner thread and the inner element may comprise a matching outer thread.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A blocking device (2) for blocking access to an door unlocking device (118) of an elevator system (102) comprises: an outer element (4), which is introducable into an access opening (30) providing access to the door unlocking device (118); and an inner element (6), which is introducable into the outer element (4). The inner element (6) is configured for bringing the blocking device (2) into a fixing configuration, in which the outer element (4) is fixedly engaged with the access opening (30), by introducing the inner element (6) into the outer element (4).