Elevator Door Coupler Assembly for Variable Hoistway Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator door coupler systems are inefficient in accommodating varying hoistway opening heights, leading to increased costs due to the need for multiple couplers and reduced effectiveness in synchronizing door movements.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with a first vane and a second vane, each with specific surface configurations, and an interlock assembly with engaging members spaced at varying lengths to accommodate different hoistway opening heights, allowing for flexible engagement and release of hoistway doors without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-length coupler is used for a specific hoistway opening height, then the door synchronization is effective for that height, but the system requires multiple couplers for different heights, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the distance between engagement surfaces to be dynamically changed. The adjustment feature enables the coupler to adapt to different hoistway opening heights by repositioning components along the vertical axis, transforming a static fixed-length coupler into a dynamic adjustable one that maintains effective door synchronization across multiple heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the coupler by providing multiple adjustable positions for the engagement surfaces. By varying the vertical distance between the first and second engagement surfaces, the coupler can be configured for different hoistway opening heights, effectively using parameter adjustment to achieve versatility without requiring multiple fixed couplers.
2Reliability
If the unlocking zone is reduced to meet safety requirements, then safety is improved, but the existing coupler becomes less effective and requires multiple configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable coupler design provides multi-functionality by enabling a single coupler unit to serve multiple hoistway opening heights. The adjustment mechanism allows the same physical coupler to be reconfigured for different safety zone requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized couplers and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining compliance with safety standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability allows the coupler to adapt to changing safety requirements and different hoistway configurations. By making the coupler adjustable rather than fixed, the system can respond to varying unlocking zone requirements without requiring multiple static configurations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining safety.
3Reliability
If multiple door couplers are used for different hoistway opening heights, then each height is accommodated specifically, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple fixed-length couplers into a single adjustable coupler unit. By combining the adjustment mechanism with the coupling components, the system reduces the total number of coupler parts needed while maintaining effective door coupling for various hoistway opening heights, thereby reducing system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable coupler serves as a universal component that can be used across different hoistway opening heights. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to purchase and install multiple specialized couplers, reducing the quantity of components required and lowering overall system cost while maintaining coupling effectiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A door coupling assembly (10) for an elevator system. The coupling assembly (10) includes a first vane (12), including a first surface (14) extending longitudinally vertically to the elevator car door and a second vane (16), including a second surface (18) and a third surface (20) extending longitudinally vertically in parallel with the first vane (12); wherein the second surface (18) is laterally spaced to the first surface (14) by a first vane length, and the third surface (20) is laterally spaced to the first surface (14) by a second vane length (22).