Elevator Car Support Mechanism for Shaft Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modernizing hydraulically actuated elevator installations to drive pulley elevators are limited in versatility and space efficiency, particularly requiring significant vertical spacing and being unsuitable for various elevator designs.
Innovation Solution
A modernization method that uses car support rollers and a drive platform to transmit force from a drive machine to the elevator car, optimizing space usage and allowing for universal application, including the integration of safety features like load measurement and safety brakes, and adjustable components for different elevator car designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a deflecting roller, drive unit and support construction are arranged one above the other at the elevator car, then the drive pulley elevator can be installed, but a substantial spacing between the ceiling of the elevator shaft and the roof of the elevator car is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (one dimension) to a horizontal distribution arrangement (another dimension). The drive unit is positioned in the upper region of the elevator shaft rather than directly above the car, and the support means is routed horizontally along the car's longitudinal side surface, thereby distributing components across multiple spatial dimensions and reducing vertical space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means is routed through and around existing structural elements of the elevator car, such as along the longitudinal side surface and through recesses in the car body. This nesting approach allows the support means to be integrated within the car's existing structure rather than requiring additional external space.
2Ease of manufacture
If the support means is routed vertically above the elevator car, then the drive unit can be connected to the car, but significant vertical space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The support means changes its routing from a purely vertical path to a combination of horizontal and vertical segments. It extends horizontally from the upper region of the shaft along the car's longitudinal side surface, then connects vertically to the connection point on the car, creating a L-shaped or angled routing that reduces vertical space occupation while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means is routed along specific local features of the elevator car structure, such as the longitudinal side surface and recesses, rather than requiring a clear vertical path above the car. This local routing utilizes existing structural pathways to achieve both ease of installation and space efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If the known modernization method is used, then conversion costs can be reduced by keeping components unchanged, but the method is suitable only for 'rucksack' elevators with specific guide systems
Solution Approach 1:
The support means is designed with a versatile routing configuration that can be applied to different elevator car designs beyond just 'rucksack' elevators. By routing the support means horizontally along the longitudinal side surface and utilizing recesses in the car body, the system becomes adaptable to various car types while maintaining the cost benefit of using existing car components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means configuration allows for flexible adaptation to different car designs through adjustable routing paths and connection points. The system can be dynamically configured to suit different elevator types while maintaining the core benefit of minimal modification to existing components.
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
Enables efficient conversion of hydraulically actuated elevators to drive pulley systems with reduced space requirements, improved safety, and adaptability to various designs, reducing conversion costs and time while ensuring environmental protection.
Implementation Method 1
car support rollers...connected with the elevator car...lie substantially below two mutually opposite walls of the elevator car and project somewhat beyond these
Data Source
AI summary
A modernization method for converting a hydraulically actuated elevator system into an elevator system driven by a drive machine having a drive sheave makes it possible to convert and retain some essential elements of the existing elevator system. Car support rollers are arranged beneath an underside of an elevator car in the area of points of the underside of the elevator car located opposite each other and are connected to the elevator car. Furthermore, a support is guided along the underside of the elevator car and about the car support rollers. The support is also guided about the drive sheave so that the support can be driven by the drive sheave of the drive machine in order to raise and lower the elevator car.