Elevator Counterbalance Unit for Dynamic Load Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy-saving elevators face inefficiencies due to the need for frequent assembly and disassembly of counterbalance units, leading to power loss and time wastage when load changes occur, and struggle to maintain an ideal balance between the car and counterweight.

Innovation Solution

An energy-saving traction-type elevator system that employs a counterbalance unit with a traction machine, automatic transmission, hoist-type lifting mechanism, power-generating electric motor, and controller, using moment balance principles to adjust the balancing counterbalance based on real-time weight measurements to maintain equilibrium and recover potential energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If variable counterbalancing is used to reduce drive moment and save energy, then energy efficiency improves, but frequent assembly and disassembly of counterbalance units causes power loss and time wastage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidtime for assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The counterbalance unit is designed with movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different load conditions. The counterbalance mass can be repositioned along the counterbalance arm without requiring complete disassembly, enabling continuous adjustment while maintaining system integrity and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The counterbalance unit is divided into modular segments that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows for quick reconfiguration of the counterbalance mass position by simply moving modular components rather than assembling and disassembling the entire counterbalance unit, thereby reducing time wastage while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If counterbalance unit is adjusted to match varying loads, then energy saving is achieved, but power loss occurs during assembly and disassembly operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy savingVSAvoidpower loss during adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the potentially harmful power loss during adjustment into a beneficial process by using a power generation device that recovers energy during the counterbalance adjustment operation. The gravity-driven movement of the counterbalance mass during reconfiguration drives the power generation device, converting what would be energy-wasting motion into useful electrical energy that can be stored or used to offset other system power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple counterbalance units are assembled and dismantled for dramatic load changes, then balance is maintained, but energy is wasted through repeated assembly operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalance maintenanceVSAvoidenergy wasted in repeated assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple discrete counterbalance units that require assembly and disassembly, the system employs a single counterbalance unit with dynamic repositioning capability. The counterbalance mass can be continuously adjusted to different positions along the counterbalance arm, providing the same balance maintenance function as multiple units but without the energy-wasting assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This system reduces traction moment and power consumption, extends the service life of the traction machine, and enables efficient energy recovery by storing and releasing potential energy, achieving effective energy-saving and centralized power generation.

Implementation Method 1

a power-generating electric motor... enabling efficient energy recovery by storing and releasing potential energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the balancing counterbalance is suspended on the hoist-type lifting mechanism through a steel cable... storing and releasing potential energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10329117B2Energy-saving traction-type elevator

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 HANGZHOU HANGYAN ENVIRONMENT TECH CO LTD

AI summary

An energy-saving traction-type elevator and an energy-saving method therefor are presented. The traction-type elevator includes at least one counterbalance unit, each counterbalance unit comprising a traction machine. The traction-type elevator further includes an automatic transmission, a hoist-type lifting mechanism, a power-generating electric motor, and a controller provided in a machine room, and a car, a fixed counterweight and a balancing counterbalance provided in an elevator shaft. The energy-saving method applies the principle of moment balance, whereby adding a separate elevator balancing counterbalance to achieve intelligent counterbalancing of the elevator so that the elevator achieves relative balance, thereby reducing the traction moment and rate of work of the traction machine. When the potential energy of the elevator balancing counter-balance builds up to a high position, the power-generating electric motor can perform centralized power generation, aiding in energy recovery and use.