Elevator Cable Mounting via Insert-and-Lock Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional elevator operation/indication apparatuses face difficulties in mounting cables within hoistways due to restricted working space, requiring complex and labor-intensive alignment and screwing operations.

Innovation Solution

An operation/indication apparatus featuring a supporting member with a projecting portion and a base having corresponding fastening holes, allowing easy cable mounting by locking the projecting portion into the holes, eliminating the need for intricate alignment and screwing from the hoistway side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clamp and screw holes are used to fix the cable, then the cable can be securely fixed to the base, but the mounting operation becomes complex and labor-intensive due to the need for strict alignment and screwing operations in the restricted hoistway space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable fixation stabilityVSAvoidmounting operation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening hole is segmented into two distinct portions: a passage portion for inserting the projecting portion and a retaining portion for locking it. This segmentation allows the mounting operation to be simplified into a straightforward insert-and-lock action, eliminating the need for complex alignment and screwing operations while maintaining secure cable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a traditional screw mechanism that requires threading and tightening operations, the invention inverts the approach by using a projecting portion that is inserted into a fastening hole with a retaining portion. The retaining portion automatically locks the projecting portion in place, reversing the conventional fastening logic and greatly simplifying the mounting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If traditional screwing operations are performed from inside the hoistway, then the cable can be fixed to the base, but the operation requires significant effort and time due to the large number of restrictions on working space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable mounting reliabilityVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The projecting portion is pre-formed with an expanded-diameter portion that is designed to fit into the retaining portion of the fastening hole. This preliminary preparation of the projecting portion allows for quick identification and insertion without requiring complex alignment operations during the mounting process, significantly reducing mounting time while ensuring reliable cable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening hole's retaining portion is designed to automatically lock the projecting portion in place through its geometric configuration. The expanded-diameter portion of the projecting portion engages with the retaining portion, creating a self-locking mechanism that requires no additional tightening or securing operations, thereby reducing both mounting time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2657172B1Cable treatment device for elevator
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2657172B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2657172B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2657172B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a cable management apparatus for an elevator, which enables a cable extending in a hoistway to be easily mounted to a predetermined base. The cable management apparatus includes: a supporting member (4) for supporting a cable (3) extending in a hoistway; and a base (1f) to which the supporting member is fixed. At least one projecting portion (4a) including an expanded-diameter portion having a diameter larger than a diameter of a base portion is provided to one of the supporting member and the base. A fastening hole (13), through which the projecting portion is to be inserted, is provided to another of the supporting member and the base so as to correspond to the projecting portion. The fastening hole includes a passage portion and a retaining portion. The passage portion has a size which allows the expanded-diameter portion of the projecting portion to pass therethrough. The retaining portion has a size which prevents the expanded-diameter portion of the projecting portion from passing therethrough and allows the base portion to pass therethrough.