Elevator System Closed Support Belt Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems require significant space and are costly due to the need for counterweights and complex drive mechanisms, limiting their efficiency and flexibility in building installations.
Innovation Solution
A compact elevator system design featuring a closed support means guided by deflection rollers with a primary coupling element that connects the support means, allowing for a gearless drive and simplified construction, eliminating the need for counterweights and enabling efficient space use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional elevator system with counterweights and steel cables is used, then the elevator can be moved vertically, but the elevator shaft requires large cross-sectional area to accommodate counterweights passing by elevator cars
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the counterweight component from the traditional elevator system. By using a closed support means (belt) that runs continuously around deflection rollers at the top and bottom of the shaft, the counterweight is completely removed, allowing elevator cars to be moved without requiring additional space for counterweight passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the support cable and the counterweight into a single closed-loop belt system. The belt itself provides both the supporting function and the counterbalancing function through its continuous circulation, eliminating the need for separate counterweight machinery and reducing shaft cross-sectional requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If a closed support means is used to eliminate counterweights, then space requirements are reduced, but the support means becomes more complex to close properly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a coupling element as an intermediary component that connects the two ends of the support means belt. This coupling element serves as a mediator that joins the belt ends together, creating a closed-loop structure without requiring complex welding or mechanical fastening systems, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the closed support means into two separate belt ends that are connected by a coupling element. This segmentation allows the belt to be manufactured and installed more easily, with the coupling element providing a simple, standardized connection point that simplifies the overall construction process.
3Productivity
If multiple elevator cars operate in a single shaft, then transport capacity increases, but the system requires complex drive mechanisms and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the single drive machine universal by enabling it to drive multiple elevator cars simultaneously through the closed support means system. The belt serves multiple functions: supporting multiple cars, transmitting drive force to multiple cars, and providing continuous circulation. This multi-functionality allows one drive machine to handle multiple cars without requiring separate drive mechanisms for each car.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements continuous circulation of the support means belt, which continuously transports elevator cars up and down the shaft. This continuous action allows multiple cars to be in various stages of their journey simultaneously, with the belt constantly moving and carrying cars at different positions, thereby increasing overall transport capacity without requiring complex start-stop coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes an elevator car that is movable in an elevator shaft in the vertical direction, a closed support belt guided about a lower deflection roller and an upper deflection roller and a drive machine driving the support belt. A drive connection is made between the support belt and the elevator car with a coupling device arranged on the elevator car that is coupled to a coupling element of the support belt. The coupling element is a connection element that connects two free ends of the support belt together.