Elevator Counterweight Termination Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face challenges in minimizing hoistway dimensions while maintaining operational efficiency, as existing designs are often limited by the width required for the counterweight termination and machine bedplate, which restricts the potential for narrower installations.
Innovation Solution
The counterweight end termination is supported directly by the machine frame, eliminating the need for additional parts like brackets and allowing the termination to be positioned closer to the machine, thereby reducing the hoistway width by integrating the termination body into the machine frame and using termination wedges to retain the suspension members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the counterweight end termination is supported by a separate machine bedplate, then the structural integrity and operational efficiency are maintained, but the hoistway width increases due to the additional component space required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the counterweight end termination body with the machine frame into a single integrated structure. The termination body is formed as an integral part of the machine frame, eliminating the need for a separate machine bedplate and reducing the number of components while maintaining structural integrity and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine frame is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the machine and simultaneously serves as the termination body for the counterweight end of the suspension member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes hoistway width.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional components like brackets are used to support the termination, then the structural stability is improved, but the hoistway width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The termination body is merged with the machine frame structure, eliminating the need for separate brackets or additional supporting components. The machine frame itself is designed to provide the necessary structural stability for supporting the counterweight end termination.
3Strength
If the termination is positioned farther from the machine, then the structural support is improved, but the hoistway width increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the termination body with the machine frame, the patent allows the termination to be positioned immediately adjacent to or integrated with the machine structure, minimizing the distance while maintaining structural support through the unified design.
Data Source
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AI summary
An elevator system includes a hoistway and an elevator car suspended in the hoistway via one or more suspension members. A counterweight is suspended in the hoistway via the one or more suspension members to balance operation of the elevator car. A machine is positioned at the hoistway to drive the one or more suspension members along the hoistway, driving motion of the elevator car and/or counterweight along the hoistway. A suspension member termination is supported at the machine, to secure an end of the one or more suspension members. A drive system for an elevator includes one or more elevator suspension members and a machine interactive with the one or more elevator suspension members to drive motion of an elevator car. A suspension member termination is supported at the machine to secure an end of the one or more suspension members at the machine.