Elevator Diverting Pulley Axle Locking Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior-art diverting pulleys face issues with locking mechanism failure leading to axle movement, hidden contact points for inspection, and laborious maintenance due to the need to open the structure for condition verification, especially when servicing intervals are long.
Innovation Solution
A diverting pulley arrangement with separate locking and positioning means, where the locking element is immovably fixed via rupture pins or compressive fixing, allowing visible inspection of the contact point and preventing axial movement, ensuring the axle remains in position even if the locking element fails, and enabling efficient maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking plate is used to lock the axle in position with a groove milled into the axle, then the axle can be locked to prevent rotation, but the contact point between the locking plate and detent surface remains hidden behind the end of the axle, making visual inspection impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by moving the detent surface from a hidden position behind the axle end to an exposed position on the outer surface of the axle. This dimensional repositioning allows the contact point between the locking plate and detent surface to be accessible for visual inspection without disassembly, while maintaining the locking function through the same mechanical engagement principle
2Reliability
If the groove is milled at a distance from the end of the axle, then the locking plate can engage the detent surface, but the contact point remains hidden and cannot be visually inspected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the groove and detent surface to an exposed location on the outer surface of the axle, changing the spatial dimension of the locking mechanism. This allows maintenance personnel to visually inspect the contact point between the locking plate and detent surface without opening the diverting pulley structure, significantly improving maintenance efficiency while preserving the locking function
3Productivity
If servicing intervals are long, then the bearing condition can deteriorate over time causing the diverting pulley to try to rotate the axle, but the condition of the locking plate and bearings cannot be detected until failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary visual inspection of the locking plate condition and bearing status by exposing the contact point between the locking plate and detent surface. This allows maintenance personnel to detect early signs of wear, deformation, or failure before they lead to catastrophic malfunction, enabling preventive maintenance actions to be taken during scheduled servicing intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The exposed contact point provides visual feedback on the condition of the locking mechanism and bearings. By allowing direct observation of wear patterns, deformation, and engagement status, the system provides continuous feedback on component health, enabling operators to assess whether servicing is needed before failure occurs
4Reliability
If the diverting pulley structure is opened to inspect the locking plate condition, then the condition can be verified, but the servicing procedure becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the detent surface and locking contact point to an exposed location on the outer surface of the axle, changing the spatial accessibility dimension. This allows maintenance personnel to visually inspect the locking plate condition and bearing status from the outside without disassembling or opening the diverting pulley structure, reducing servicing time while maintaining verification capability
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4~5b
Figure 6~8
AI summary
Diverting pulley arrangement (1), more particularly a diverting pulley arrangement of an elevator, which comprises an axle (2, 2'), at least one diverting pulley (3) that rotates while supported on the axle (2, 2'), a faceplate structure (4, 4', 4' '), in relation to which and supported by which the diverting pulley (3) is arranged to rotate on the first side of the faceplate structure (4, 4', 4' '), which axle (2, 2') is locked so that it does not rotate in relation to the faceplate structure (4, 4', 4' ') by the aid of a locking element (5), which locking element (5) is on the second side of the faceplate structure (4, 4 ',4'') and supported so that it does not move in relation to the faceplate structure (4, 4', 4' '). The locking element (5) is placed against the locking surface (12) comprised in the axle (2) so that the contact point (C) of the locking element and the locking surface (12) of the axle is at least partly visible.