Elevator Door Coupler Linkage for Flexible Lock Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator door couplers require precise, ad hoc component realization for specific applications, limiting flexibility and complicating modernization efforts due to fixed distances between lock and actuating mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with drive skids mounted on the car door, featuring an actuating device and a lock system, utilizing a tension element to adjust the spacing between drive skids and lock components, allowing for flexible interaction with different designs and brands of landing locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed distance between lock and actuating mechanism is used, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the adaptability to different elevator designs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the distance between the lock and actuating mechanism to be varied. The actuating lever and pivotal lever can pivot through a predetermined angle, and the tension element can be adjusted in length, transforming a static fixed-distance structure into a dynamic adjustable one. This enables adaptation to different elevator designs while maintaining mechanical simplicity through controlled movement rather than complex linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of distance between lock and actuating mechanism from a fixed value to an adjustable range. By allowing the tension element length to be modified and the levers to pivot through predetermined angles, the system can accommodate different elevator configurations without requiring completely different mechanical structures for each application.
2Manufacturing precision
If ad hoc component realization is performed for specific applications, then the precision for specific applications is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal coupler design that can serve multiple elevator applications through adjustable parameters. The same basic structure with adjustable tension element length and pivotable levers can be used across different elevator designs and brands, eliminating the need for custom ad hoc components for each specific application while maintaining the precision required for proper operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By incorporating adjustable and pivotable elements, the patent enables a single manufacturing process to produce components that can be configured for different applications. The dynamic adjustment capabilities allow the same manufactured component to be adapted to various precision requirements without requiring separate ad hoc manufacturing for each application.
3Reliability
If complex mechanical linkages are used to move the lock, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex mechanical linkages from the system. By using a tension element connected to pivotable levers that can achieve the required locking motion through predetermined angular movement, the design removes redundant components while maintaining reliable lock actuation. The simplification focuses on keeping only the essential elements needed for dependable locking operation.
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 easier modernization of elevators by allowing the same lock and actuating components to be used across various designs, reducing the need for complex linkages and providing flexibility in component positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the tension element develops between a first anchor point on the actuating lever and a second anchor point on the lock system
Implementation Method 2
the tension element is forced to pass around a first deflecting wheel which is pivotally mounted on the first pivotal lever
Implementation Method 3
a first deflecting wheel which is pivotally mounted on the first pivotal lever
Implementation Method 4
a second pivotal lever is provided, which, together with the first pivotal lever and the drive skids, constitutes a parallelogram guide
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (100) for actuating and locking elevator doors provided with drive skids (14, 15), said drive skids (14, 15) being mounted on a car door (104a, 104b) and being provided to actuate shaft door drive rollers for actuating shaft doors, said apparatus (100) comprising: - an actuating device (120) to alter a spacing (A) between the drive skids (14, 15), said actuating device (120) comprising an actuating lever (1) connectable to a door actuator, the actuating lever (1) being in operative connection with a first pivotal lever (10), to which the drive skids (14, 15) are pivotally connected; and - a lock system (130) for locking the car door (104a, 104b). The actuating lever (1) and the first pivotal lever (10) are pivotal through a predetermined angle. The apparatus (100) is provided with a tension element (20) which develops between a first anchor point (19) on the actuating lever (1) and a second anchor point (23) on the lock system (130). The tension element (20) is forced to pass around a first deflecting wheel (21) which is pivotally mounted on the first pivotal lever (10).