Elevator Car Door Interlock Using Spring Pin Contactor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator interlock systems are complex, prone to malfunction, and require frequent maintenance, with mechanical systems being noisy and electrical systems needing battery backup and complex linkages, while existing solutions do not adequately secure doors unless the elevator car is directly aligned with a landing.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly for elevator car doors featuring a biasing mechanism, such as a spring pin, that moves between locked and unlocked positions based on the car's position within the landing door zone, using a cable connection to transmit force and engage a locking mechanism, ensuring secure door operation without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical interlock systems are used, then door locking reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase due to battery backup needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical interlock systems with a simpler mechanical spring pin contactor system. The spring pin contactor mechanically engages with the car door sill to provide reliable door locking without requiring batteries, solenoids, or complex electrical components, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity and maintenance needs
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pin contactor is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on car door position without requiring external power sources or control systems. The biasing mechanism provides self-contained operation, eliminating the need for battery backup and reducing maintenance requirements
2Reliability
If mechanical interlock systems are used, then door locking reliability is improved, but noise and device complexity increase due to linkages and springs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex mechanical linkages, cams, and springs from traditional mechanical interlock systems. The simplified spring pin contactor design removes unnecessary components that generate noise, retaining only the essential biasing mechanism needed for reliable door locking operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a simplified spring pin contactor mechanism that directly engages the car door sill, eliminating noisy components while maintaining reliable door locking functionality
3Reliability
If existing interlock systems are used, then door locking is provided, but maintenance frequency increases due to malfunction susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical and mechanical interlock systems with a simplified spring pin contactor mechanism that has fewer moving parts and no electronic components, thereby reducing susceptibility to malfunction and minimizing maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pin contactor system operates autonomously using the biasing mechanism, eliminating dependencies on external power sources, control systems, and complex linkages that require maintenance, thereby improving ease of repair
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient door locking mechanism that ensures secure operation of elevator car doors, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and minimizing maintenance needs by automatically adjusting lock positions based on the car's alignment, enhancing safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the contactor includes a biasing mechanism configured to bias the contactor into a locked position
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock assembly for an elevator car door is provided including a car mechanism configured to move from a first position to a second position upon detection of a known condition. A contactor is mounted adjacent a lower portion of the elevator car door and is operably coupled to the car door mechanism. The contact is movable in response to movement of the car door mechanism to lock and unlock a portion of the elevator car door.