Elevator Coupling and Locking Device with Cam Lever Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling and locking devices for automatic elevator cab doors are complex, costly to produce and assemble, and lack adaptability to varying elevator shaft tolerances, while also failing to ensure safety during malfunctions or power cuts when the cab door is not aligned with landing doors.
Innovation Solution
A coupling and locking device with a lever bolt mechanism that includes a cam mechanism and abutment elements, allowing simultaneous locking of cab and landing door panels, adaptable to various shaft types, and ensuring safety by preventing manual opening when the cab door is not aligned with landing doors, using a system of levers and connecting arms to recognize correct alignment and disengage the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling and locking device with many moving components is used to ensure safety and reliability, then the device operates reliably, but the production and assembly time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling function and locking function into a single integrated device. The coupling and locking device comprises a single main body that performs both coupling between the cab door and landing door, and locking of the cab door, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms and locking mechanisms. This reduces the number of moving components while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling and locking device is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs coupling, locking, and alignment functions. The device can adapt to different shaft types and tolerances while providing both coupling and safety locking features, reducing the overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated components for each function.
2Device complexity
If a locking device with a specific shape is used to reduce the number of moving components, then the production time is reduced, but the device becomes less adaptable to variations in shaft tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling and locking device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through its cam mechanism and lever system. The cam mechanism can adapt to different shaft types and tolerances by adjusting the engagement position, while the lever mechanism provides flexible coupling. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to work with various shaft configurations without requiring multiple specialized components.
3Device complexity
If a simple and economical coupling and locking device is used, then the production cost is reduced, but the device may not ensure sufficient locking strength with limited panel dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cam mechanism with curved surfaces to achieve mechanical advantage in the locking action. The cam profile is designed to convert rotational or linear motion into a powerful locking force that engages the locking bolt with the cab floor. This curved geometry allows a simple device structure to generate sufficient locking strength despite limited panel dimensions.
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 device provides a simple, economical, and safe solution for automatic cab doors, ensuring compliance with safety standards by locking all components securely, even with limited panel dimensions, and adapting to different elevator shaft configurations, while allowing automatic operation during normal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The cam mechanism is driven by the actuation mechanism of the panels of the cab door to slide along the first direction
Implementation Method 2
This locking device comprises a so-called lever bolt mechanism that prevents the cab door from opening under certain operating conditions of the elevator equipment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An elevator equipment is described comprising: at least one cab, which is movable between the floors of a building and comprises a cab door whose panels are driven by a respective actuation mechanism to slide horizontally; at least one landing door, which comprises an actuator element engageable with the cab door and which allows access to the cab when aligned with the cab door; and a coupling and locking device, which is connected to at least one of the panels. The coupling and locking device comprises: a locking mechanism, which is vertically movable between a position for locking and a position for unlocking the opening of the panels; a cam mechanism, which is driven by the actuation mechanism to slide horizontally and to selectively actuate the locking mechanism; and an abutment element. The cam mechanism comprises: a first lever, which is horizontally movable with reciprocating motion towards and away from the abutment element; and a second lever, which is vertically movable and is mechanically coupled to both the first lever and the locking mechanism. The interposition of the actuator element between the abutment element and the first lever limits the reciprocating motion of the first lever and transfers its remaining stroke to the second lever to vertically move the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is of the so-called lever bolt type and comprises at least one rod whose lower end has a bolt shape and is engageable in a corresponding hole obtained at the floor of the cab.