Machine Roomless Elevator Drive System Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machine room-less elevator systems face challenges in minimizing both horizontal and vertical space requirements while maintaining efficient shaft utilization and good driving behavior, often requiring excessive space due to the arrangement of guide rails and the placement of the drive system.

Innovation Solution

The elevator system features a drive system attached to the elevator car with suspension means guided in two strands over a driving body, allowing for central suspension and minimizing space requirements by positioning the counterweight between these strands, eliminating the need for additional space at the top of the shaft and reducing torque loads on the car.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the drive system is located at the top of the elevator shaft, then the elevator car can be suspended centrally, but the space requirements in the shaft increase both horizontally and vertically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveride qualityVSAvoidshaft space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is merged with the elevator car structure, attaching it directly to the car instead of placing it separately in the shaft. This integration eliminates the need for additional shaft space while maintaining central suspension capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive system is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (at the top of the shaft) to a horizontal arrangement (attached to the car side), changing the spatial dimension of placement to reduce shaft space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the guide rails are arranged on both sides of the elevator car, then the car is centrally suspended, but the shaft width increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveride qualityVSAvoidshaft width
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

One of the two guide rail arrangements is extracted/removed, leaving only guide rails on one side of the elevator car. This reduction in guide rail configuration decreases the required shaft width while the drive system provides the necessary suspension forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Area of stationary object

If the drive system is attached to the elevator car, then the shaft space is reduced, but the counterweight and guide rail arrangement negatively impact shaft utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft spaceVSAvoidshaft utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight is positioned asymmetrically on the same side as the guide rails rather than on the opposite side. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the use of available shaft space by utilizing the empty space on the guide rail side and eliminates the need for deflection pulleys

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Stability of the object's composition

If deflection pulleys are mounted between the elevator car and counterweight, then the suspension is maintained, but additional space in the elevator shaft width is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesuspensionVSAvoidshaft width
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection pulleys are completely removed from the system. The suspension is maintained through the direct arrangement of the counterweight and guide rails on the same side, eliminating the need for additional components that would require extra shaft space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4344430B1Machine roomless elevator system
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 SCHRODER MEIK
  • EP4344430B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4344430B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4344430B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lift system without a machine room, comprising • a lift cabin, which is guided in cabin guide rails, the cabin guide rails being disposed on one side of the lift cabin, • at least one counterweight, which is disposed on the same side of the lift cabin as the cabin guide rail, • a drive system mounted on the lift cabin and having at least one drive motor and at least one driving body, • one or more carrier means for transmitting a force from the drive system, • the carrier means being guided in two carrier means strands via the at least one driving body, and • the counterweight being disposed between the carrier means strands.