Elevator Door Coupling With Rotating Contact Element Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator door systems require complex manufacturing due to separate drives for door couplings, increasing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A door system with electrically activated cabin and shaft door locks, and a simple door coupling mechanism using a contact body and guide webs, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing and synchronized door operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a door system with multiple door leaves is used to provide adequate ventilation and lighting, then the opening width and area are improved, but the structural stability and rigidity deteriorate due to the need for additional door leaves and hinges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening widthVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple door leaves (first door leaf and second door leaf) into a single integrated door system that operates together. The door system integrates multiple functional elements including door leaves, hinges, a stabilizing member, and a tensioning member into one unified structure that provides both the required opening area and structural stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a stabilizing member as an intermediary element that connects the first and second door leaves. This stabilizing member acts as a mediator to maintain structural rigidity and prevent unwanted movement or deformation of the door system while allowing the door leaves to open and close properly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of moving object

If additional door leaves and hinges are added to increase opening area, then the ventilation and lighting are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening areaVSAvoiddoor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door system is designed with multi-functional components where the stabilizing member not only provides structural stability but also serves as a connection element between door leaves. The tensioning member performs multiple functions including maintaining proper door alignment, controlling movement, and providing structural support, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functional requirements into a unified door system design where the stabilizing member and tensioning member work together with the door leaves and hinges to achieve both operational functionality and structural integrity, rather than using separate independent mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a rigid door structure is used to maintain stability, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate movement and adjustment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmovement accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The door system incorporates dynamic elements including hinges that allow rotational movement, a stabilizing member that can flex or adjust to accommodate door movement, and a tensioning member that maintains proper tension during operation. These dynamic components enable the structurally strong door system to adapt to operational movements without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4594235B1Door system
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 INVENTIO AG
  • EP4594235B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4594235B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4594235B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a door system, an elevator, and a method for opening a door system. The door system comprises at least one set of shaft doors, one set of cabin doors, a cabin door drive, and a door coupling for coupling the cabin doors to the shaft doors. The set of cabin doors comprises an electrically activatable cabin door locking means, by means of which the set of cabin doors can be locked and unlocked in the closed position. The first part of the door coupling comprises a contact element, wherein the contact element has a length measurement in a longitudinal direction, which length measurement is greater than the guide flange spacing. The contact element has a width measurement in a width direction, which width measurement is smaller than the guide flange spacing. The contact element is arranged on the set of cabin doors so as to be rotatable between the first guide flange and the second guide flange. A lever is connected to the drive means and the lever is rigidly connected to the contact element, so that, by means of moving the drive means from an uncoupled position, in which, owing to the width measurement, the contact element is arranged with clearance between the first and the second guide flange, into a coupling position, in which the contact element contacts the first and the second guide flange.