Elevator Drive Machine Installation via Counterweight Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine room-less elevator systems face challenges in installing the drive machine due to limited overhead space in the hoistway, as traditional installation methods require sufficient clearance that is often not feasible, leading to wasted space and increased construction costs.
Innovation Solution
The drive machine assembly is fastened to the counterweight and lifted vertically along guide rails to the top of the hoistway, where it is secured and then disconnected, eliminating the need for additional repositioning and specialized equipment, thus reducing space requirements and installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drive machine is lifted into position from a floor or elevator car using traditional methods, then the drive machine can be installed in the hoistway, but sufficient overhead space is required which is often not feasible and leads to wasted space
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight serves as an intermediary carrier to transport the drive machine assembly to the hoistway top. The drive machine is fastened to the counterweight, which is then lifted along guide rails using the existing hoisting mechanism, eliminating the need for separate overhead lifting equipment and excessive clearance space.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight performs dual functions: its traditional function of balancing the elevator car and an additional function of serving as a transport platform for the drive machine assembly during installation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated installation equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If overhead space is provided for transporting and repositioning the drive machine, then installation is feasible, but the space is wasted after mounting and adds to construction cost
Solution Approach 1:
The drive machine is fastened to the counterweight before lifting, preparing the assembly in advance. This preliminary configuration allows the drive machine to be transported and installed in a single operation without requiring additional repositioning space after reaching the hoistway top.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of lifting the drive machine separately and then finding a mounting location, the invention inverts the approach by attaching the drive machine to the counterweight first, using the counterweight's movement path to deliver the assembly directly to the mounting location at the hoistway top.
3Productivity
If specialized equipment is used for lifting and repositioning the drive machine, then installation can be completed, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing elevator hoisting system serves itself by also transporting the drive machine assembly. The counterweight, which is already part of the elevator system, is used to lift and position the drive machine, eliminating the need for external specialized lifting equipment and reducing installation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing an elevator drive machine in a machine room-less elevator system is provided. A drive machine assembly is fastened to a counterweight. The counterweight is then lifted vertically along a set of counterweight guide rails to the top of the hoistway. There, the drive machine assembly is mounted to the ends of the counterweight guide rails. Once in place, the drive machine assembly is then disconnected from the counterweight.