Elevator Connector Alignment Feature for Inspection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional elevator suspension systems, particularly those with coated ropes, face challenges in accurate electrical inspection due to misaligned connections between connectors and tension members, leading to incomplete or inaccurate resistance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an internal cavity with alignment features and contact members that establish electrically conductive connections with tension members, ensuring proper alignment through mating male/female features and compliant elements to reduce misalignment, allowing for efficient electrical inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual inspection methods are used for coated belts and ropes, then the inspection process is simple, but the inspection accuracy is insufficient because electrical inspection techniques require proper alignment of connecting elements which is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with integrated alignment features including angled contact surfaces and shaped end walls that automatically align the connector with the suspension member during insertion. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for complex external alignment tools or procedures, allowing the connector to self-position correctly for accurate electrical contact with the tension members inside the coated belt or rope.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features act as intermediary elements between the connector body and the suspension member. The angled contact surfaces and shaped end walls serve as mediating structures that facilitate proper positioning and alignment, enabling the connecting elements to establish accurate electrical connections without requiring complex alignment procedures.
2Reliability
If multiple dimensions are used to determine connection alignment, then the connection can be established, but the connection consistency deteriorates due to mis-aligned connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body incorporates asymmetric alignment features including angled contact surfaces and end walls with different shapes at opposite ends. These asymmetric features create a unique geometric interface that allows only one correct orientation and position for the connector relative to the suspension member, eliminating misalignment issues that would occur with symmetric designs and ensuring consistent electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features are pre-formed as integral parts of the connector body structure during manufacturing. The angled contact surfaces and shaped end walls are created in advance to provide built-in alignment guidance, so that when the connector is installed, the alignment is already established by the geometry of the components rather than requiring additional alignment steps or adjustments.
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
The solution ensures reliable and accurate electrical inspection by aligning contact members with tension members, reducing the dependence on multiple dimensions and improving connection consistency, thereby enhancing the reliability of suspension member condition assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of contact members that establish electrically conductive connections with tension members in the suspension member
Data Source
AI summary
A connector comprises a body defining an internal cavity configured to receive a suspension member of an elevator system, and at least one suspension member alignment feature formed on an inner wall surface that surrounds the internal cavity. The connector further includes plurality of contact members that establish electrically conductive connections with tension members in the suspension member, wherein the at least one suspension member alignment feature aligns the contact members with the tension members.