Elevator Safety Buffer with Embedded Fastening Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety buffers for elevators and cranes face issues with the detachment of the fastening device from the buffer element under high loads, leading to a need for enhanced connection strength and security between the fastening device and the elastic buffer element.
Innovation Solution
The integration of embedding elements that protrude from the fastening device and are embedded within the buffer element, along with a foamed connection and a non-compressible fastening device, enhances the form fit and stability of the connection, allowing for increased strength and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an adhesive bond or chemical connection is used to connect the fastening device to the buffer element, then the connection has a high level of strength and security, but under high loads the fastening device may still become detached or shear off
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is segmented into a plate component and embedding elements that are separately formed and then integrated. The embedding elements protrude from the plate and are embedded into the buffer element, creating multiple discrete connection points that distribute loads more effectively than a single monolithic fastening structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedding elements are nested within the buffer element, with the buffer element material surrounding and encasing the embedding elements. This nesting creates a form-fit connection where the buffer element acts as a matrix that holds the embedding elements, preventing detachment under load.
Solution Approach 3:
The connection structure combines different materials: the fastening device plate (metal), the embedding elements (metal), and the buffer element (foamed plastic or elastomer). This composite construction allows each material to contribute its optimal properties - the metal components provide structural strength while the foamed buffer element provides energy absorption and cushioning.
2Device complexity
If the fastening device is designed with a simple plate structure, then the device complexity is low, but the connection strength between the fastening device and buffer element is insufficient under high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is segmented into a plate component and embedding elements that are separately formed and then integrated. The embedding elements protrude from the plate and are embedded into the buffer element, creating multiple discrete connection points that distribute loads more effectively than a single monolithic fastening structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is extended from a two-dimensional plate surface into the third dimension by adding protruding embedding elements that penetrate into the buffer element volume. This dimensional transition from surface mounting to volumetric embedding significantly increases connection strength while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the buffer element is foamed onto the fastening device, then the manufacturing process is improved and surface impurities are eliminated, but the connection strength between the fastening device and buffer element must be sufficiently high
Solution Approach 1:
The embedding elements are pre-formed and attached to the plate before the foaming process. This preliminary action ensures that the embedding elements are in their correct positions and orientations before the buffer element material is applied, allowing the foaming process to simply encase the already-positioned elements without requiring complex in-situ formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical assembly process is replaced by a chemical/physical foaming process. Instead of mechanically attaching the buffer element to the fastening device after assembly, the buffer element is foamed in place, creating a monolithic connection that eliminates separate assembly steps and potential surface impurities while maintaining strong mechanical bonding.
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 configuration significantly increases the connection strength and security between the fastening device and the buffer element, preventing detachment and ensuring reliable operation under high loads, while also improving the manufacturing process by eliminating surface impurities.
Implementation Method 1
These safety buffers have a volume-compressible elastic buffer element
Implementation Method 2
In a preferred embodiment, the buffer element is foamed onto the fastening device, with the at least one embedding element being foamed around by the buffer element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
Safety buffer (1) for an elevator or crane comprising an elastic buffer element (2) and a fastening device (4), wherein the buffer element (2) has a fastening surface (23) at a first end (21), wherein the fastening device (4) has a plate (41) and wherein the fastening device (4) is permanently connected to the fastening surface (23) of the buffer element (2), wherein the fastening device (4) has at least one embedded element (49), wherein the at least one embedded element (49) projects at least partially from the fastening device (4) in the direction of the buffer element (2) and is embedded in the buffer element (2).