Modular Elevator Drive Supports for Lighter Bedplate Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator drive assemblies are typically heavy and require significant reinforcement of the bedplate, increasing complexity, cost, and time in manufacturing and installation due to the need for custom components to accommodate varying distances between the motor and brake unit.
Innovation Solution
A modular support system comprising separate first and second supports for the motor and brake unit, respectively, connected via an intermediate connecting part, which can be formed from sheet metal to provide reinforcement and adaptability, reducing the need for custom components and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single heavy cast iron unit is used to mount both motor and brake unit, then structural strength is sufficient, but weight increases and bedplate reinforcement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The single cast iron unit is divided into separate mounting elements: a first support for the motor and a second support for the brake unit. These separate supports are lighter individually and can be optimally positioned on the bedplate without requiring extensive reinforcement, thus reducing overall weight while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a heavy uniform cast iron structure, the patent applies mounting supports only where needed on the bedplate. The first and second supports are positioned locally at the motor and brake unit locations respectively, providing strength only where required rather than throughout the entire structure.
2Strength
If bedplate is reinforced to support heavy mounting unit, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separate first and second supports that can be independently manufactured and positioned. This eliminates the need for complex reinforced bedplate structures, as each support is a simple, standardized component that can be produced independently and assembled on the bedplate.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second supports are designed as universal, standardized components that can be used across different elevator system configurations. This universality simplifies bedplate design, as the same support components can be mounted on various bedplate types without requiring custom reinforcement structures for each application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom cast iron units are manufactured for different drive assembly configurations, then adaptability is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate, standardized first and second support components that can be independently manufactured. These segmented components can be freely combined and positioned to accommodate different motor and brake unit configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture custom integrated units for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second supports are designed as universal components that can be used across multiple drive assembly configurations. The same standardized support parts can be adapted to different motor sizes, brake unit types, and spacing requirements by simply repositioning them on the bedplate, rather than manufacturing custom cast iron units for each configuration.
4Ease of operation
If separate supports are used for motor and brake unit, then adaptability and ease of installation improve, but structural reinforcement may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second supports provide localized strengthening at the motor and brake unit mounting positions. By concentrating support strength only where needed rather than using a heavy uniform structure, the patent achieves adequate structural strength while maintaining ease of installation and reducing overall weight.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An apparatus (10) for connecting a drive assembly (4) to a bedplate (2) of an elevator system. The apparatus (10) includes a first support (14) for mounting a motor (6) of the drive assembly (4) to the bedplate (2). The apparatus (10) further includes a second support (16) for mounting a brake unit (8) of the drive assembly (4) to the bedplate (2). The first support (14) and the second support (16) are separate parts.