Elevator Car Coupling Locking to Prevent Unintentional Uncoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems face issues with unreliable and unsafe operation, particularly due to unintentional separation of the elevator car from the suspension means, leading to potential falls and high accelerations that can cause discomfort and injury to passengers, as well as requiring service technician intervention.

Innovation Solution

An elevator system with a controllable coupling apparatus and a securing device that can assume a securing position to prevent unintentional uncoupling, using a sensor assembly to ensure the coupling apparatus remains locked, and a control apparatus to permit movement only when the securing device is in the correct position, combined with a drive machine and suspension means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the coupling apparatus is designed to allow easy uncoupling for normal operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of unintentional separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of uncouplingVSAvoidreliability of coupled position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device applies a preliminary securing action to the coupling apparatus in the coupled position, creating a pre-established protective mechanism that prevents unintentional separation while allowing intentional uncoupling when needed for normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assembly performs a preliminary detection of the coupling status before operation begins, and the control apparatus takes preliminary action to prevent movement unless proper coupling is confirmed, thereby preventing unintentional separation while maintaining operational readiness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the coupling apparatus is secured against leaving the coupled position, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to restricted intentional uncoupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of coupled positionVSAvoidease of intentional uncoupling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device transitions from a static restriction to a dynamic system that responds to sensor signals and control inputs, allowing it to adapt between securing and releasing states based on operational needs, thereby maintaining both reliability and operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assembly provides continuous feedback on the coupling status to the control apparatus, which then adjusts the securing device accordingly - maintaining security during normal operation but enabling intentional uncoupling when properly commanded, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a safety brake is used to stop the elevator car after unintentional separation, then the reliability is improved by preventing falls, but the passenger comfort deteriorates due to high accelerations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of elevator carVSAvoidpassenger discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device and control apparatus create a preliminary protective barrier that prevents unintentional separation from occurring in the first place, thereby eliminating the need for emergency braking and avoiding the harmful high accelerations that would affect passengers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If the securing device is added to prevent unintentional uncoupling, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of couplingVSAvoidcomplexity of coupling system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device, sensor assembly, and control apparatus are merged into an integrated coupling safety system that works as a unified mechanism, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control apparatus serves multiple functions - it not only controls the securing device but also monitors sensor inputs and manages the overall coupling status, thereby reducing the need for additional dedicated components and simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12540052B2Elevator system

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 INVENTIO AG

AI summary

An elevator system includes an elevator car movable in an elevator shaft, a suspension means extending in the elevator shaft, a drive machine associated with the suspension means and a controllable coupling apparatus arranged on the elevator car. The suspension means has a coupling element that the coupling apparatus can be coupled to by assuming a coupled position and from which the coupling apparatus can be uncoupled by assuming an uncoupled position, as a result of which a drive connection between the elevator car and the suspension means can be established and released. The elevator system has a securing device that can assume a securing position and a release position and that, in the securing position, secures the coupling apparatus in the coupled position against leaving the coupled position.