Elevator Car Blocking Mechanism for Hoistway Maintenance Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems require additional space in the hoistway for maintenance, which complicates servicing and poses safety risks during maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
An elevator system with a security device comprising first and second blocking devices that secure the elevator car in a fixed position within the hoistway, allowing for a safety volume for maintenance, while maintaining normal operation safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional space is provided in the hoistway for maintenance operations, then technician safety and maintenance capability are improved, but the overall system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking devices are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be positioned only when needed for maintenance. The first blocking device can move along the guide rail, and the second blocking device can move within the elevator car, enabling dynamic adaptation to maintenance requirements without permanently occupying additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The security device is divided into separate blocking devices that can be independently positioned and activated. The first blocking device is attached to the guide rail while the second is attached to the elevator car, allowing segmented control of the safety zones without requiring the entire hoistway to be configured for maintenance.
2Reliability
If the elevator car is securely held in a waiting position using blocking devices, then maintenance safety is improved, but the risk of unintended car movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking devices act as intermediary elements between the elevator car and the guide rail, providing a controlled interface for securing the car during maintenance. The wedge-shaped design allows the blocking device to insert between the car and rail, creating a reliable mechanical stop that prevents unintended movement while allowing controlled positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking devices are positioned and secured before maintenance work begins, establishing the safety condition in advance. The first blocking device is attached to the guide rail at the desired position, and the second blocking device is positioned on the elevator car to interact with it, ensuring the car is secured before technicians enter the maintenance zone.
3Reliability
If blocking devices are made robust and fixed in position, then maintenance security is improved, but the ease of installation and adjustment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking devices incorporate movable elements that allow easy positioning and adjustment. The first blocking device can be moved along the guide rail to different positions, and the second blocking device can be positioned within the elevator car, enabling flexible installation without requiring complex fixed mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The position and configuration of the blocking devices can be adjusted by changing their location along the guide rail or within the car. This parameter adjustment allows the same robust blocking device design to be adapted to different maintenance scenarios and car positions without requiring multiple fixed installations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an elevator system (1) to be positioned in a hoistway (2). The elevator system (1) comprises an elevator car (3), at least one guide rail (4) for guiding the elevator car (3) when moving up and down in the hoistway (2), and a security device (5) that is designed and arranged in such way that a safety volume (6) above or below the elevator car (3) inside the hoistway (2) can be set in at least one secured state for safe maintenance operation of a mechanic inside the safety volume (6). The security device (3) comprises at least one first blocking device (7) attached to the at least one guide rail (4) or configured for being mounted to a wall of the hoistway (2) and at least one second blocking device (8) configured to be mounted on or in the elevator car (3) to cooperate with the first blocking device (7) to prevent upward movement of the elevator car (3) when the safety volume (6) is arranged above the elevator car (3) or downward movement of the elevator car (3) when the safety volume (6) is arranged below the elevator car (3).