Elevator Cab Isolation via Flex Joints and Isolators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face challenges in accommodating misalignments between guidance and propulsion devices, leading to noise and vibration transmission that affect ride comfort and propulsion efficiency, particularly in ropeless elevator systems where traditional rope masses are prohibitive.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a ropeless elevator car design featuring a cab, a platform, vertical members, flex joints, and isolators to mechanically isolate the cab from noise and vibration, along with a linear propulsion system using permanent magnets and guide devices to maintain consistent gaps and minimize drag, allowing for controlled motion and alignment adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional roped elevator systems are used, then the rope mass provides stability and guidance, but the mass becomes prohibitive in high-rise buildings and prevents multiple cars in a single hoistway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional rope from the elevator system, replacing it with a carriage that runs along guide rails. This extraction of the rope eliminates its prohibitive mass while maintaining the necessary guidance and support functions through alternative mechanical means (guide rails and carriages).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rope-based mechanical system with a rail-based guidance system. The ropeless carriage system uses guide rails and propulsion mechanisms (such as linear motors or friction wheels) to achieve movement without the mass penalty of traditional ropes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cab is rigidly connected to the carriage, then structural stability is maintained, but noise and vibration are transmitted directly affecting ride comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces isolators as intermediary elements between the cab and the carriage. These isolators act as a mediator that decouples the direct rigid connection, allowing the cab to be supported by the carriage while blocking the transmission of noise and vibration. The isolators provide the necessary mechanical linkage while filtering out harmful vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible isolating elements (such as rubber mounts or spring-based isolators) to connect the cab to the carriage. These flexible components provide mechanical support while absorbing and dampening vibrations, preventing them from being transmitted to the cab.
3Manufacturing precision
If guidance and propulsion devices are rigidly aligned, then precision is improved, but misalignments in the hoistway cause increased noise and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flex joints at the connection points between the carriage and vertical members. These flex joints provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the system to accommodate misalignments between guidance and propulsion devices. The flex joints can deflect and adapt to positional variations, maintaining smooth operation even when perfect alignment is not achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for parameter changes in the positioning and orientation of guidance and propulsion devices through the use of flex joints and adjustable mounting mechanisms. This enables the system to adapt to varying alignment conditions without generating excessive noise or vibration.
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 solution enhances ride comfort by reducing noise and vibration transmission while maintaining propulsion efficiency, accommodating misalignments, and optimizing the ropeless elevator system's performance in high-rise buildings with multiple cars in a single hoistway.
Implementation Method 1
mechanically isolate the cab from noise and vibration that may be transmitted by or through the carriage and to the cab
Implementation Method 2
a first plurality of permanent magnets engaged to and distributed along the first vertical member for elevator car propulsion; and a second plurality of permanent magnets engaged to and distributed along the second vertical member for elevator car propulsion
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator car is constructed and arranged to move along a hoistway. The car includes a cab support from below by a platform. A vertical member is connected to the platform via a flex joint and extends upward from platform for further elevator cab support. The flex joint facilitates cab isolation from vibration and noise.