Elevator Drive Suspension With Tilt Adjustment for Compact Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator drive systems require significant space and have complex installation processes, necessitating improvements in space utilization and assembly simplicity.

Innovation Solution

A drive system with a rotary joint and adjusting device for tiltable mounting on a support element, allowing for a compact design and simplified assembly, featuring a traction sheave and insulation elements to reduce vibrations and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional drive systems are used in elevator installations, then reliable driving function is achieved, but space requirements increase and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving functionVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is divided into modular components including a drive unit, a support element, and a coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates compact arrangement, reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes vertical arrangement and three-dimensional space optimization by positioning the drive unit and support element in a vertically oriented configuration. This dimensional approach allows the system to fit into smaller horizontal footprints while maintaining all necessary driving functions.

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

2Reliability

If traditional drive systems are used in elevator installations, then reliable driving function is achieved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving functionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism merges the drive unit and support element into an integrated assembly that simplifies installation. By combining multiple functions into a unified structure, the number of separate installation steps and components is reduced, thereby decreasing installation complexity while preserving driving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive unit and support element are pre-assembled and pre-positioned as a integrated unit before final installation. This preliminary action allows for quality control and alignment to be performed during manufacturing rather than during complex on-site installation, reducing installation complexity while ensuring reliable function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If compact drive design is implemented, then space requirements are reduced, but vibration and noise transmission increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementVSAvoidvibration and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A damping element is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive unit and the support element. This mediator absorbs and dissipates vibrations while blocking noise transmission, allowing the system to maintain compact dimensions without suffering from increased harmful vibrations and noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping element utilizes composite material properties combining vibration absorption and noise insulation characteristics. This allows the compact drive design to effectively suppress harmful factors through material-level solutions rather than requiring additional space for vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 system reduces space requirements and simplifies installation, enabling efficient use of smaller drives and minimizing noise and vibration transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a rotary joint (9) via which the drive (3) can be fastened to the support element (5) and which is designed for rotatable mounting of the drive (3) on the support element (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Implementation Method 2

insulation elements (47, 48) which are designed to reduce the transmission of vibrations or structure-borne noise from the drive (3) to the support element (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4341192B1Drive system for an elevator installation, elevator installation and method for mounting a drive on a support element of an elevator installation
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 INVENTIO AG
  • EP4341192B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4341192B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4341192B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive system (1) for an elevator installation, comprising: a drive (3); and a drive suspension means (7) for fastening the drive (3) to a support element (5) of the elevator installation. The drive suspension means (7) comprises: a rotary joint (9) for tiltably mounting the drive (3) on the support element (5); and an adjusting device (11) for setting a tilt of the drive (3) about the rotary joint (9).