Elevator Load Bearing Fabric With Variable Coating Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator load bearing member technologies, including both hydraulic and traction-based systems, face challenges in enhancing load-bearing capacity and durability, particularly in distributing loads effectively and maintaining performance over the service life.
Innovation Solution
A fabric-based load bearing member is developed with interlaced fibers and cords, where the cords have coatings of different materials and thicknesses, allowing for selective melting to impregnate the fibers, providing enhanced distribution of load and improved wear characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional round steel ropes are used in elevator systems, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the load distribution and wear resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple cords embedded in a fabric, where each cord has a coating that melts during processing to impregnate the fabric. This composite construction combines the strength of multiple coated cords with the structural integrity of the fabric, achieving superior load-bearing capacity compared to traditional single steel ropes while distributing stress more effectively across the entire assembly.
2Strength
If uniform coating thickness is applied to all cords, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the load distribution and wear protection are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable coating thicknesses on different cords within the same fabric assembly. Specifically, cords at different positions (e.g., edge cords versus center cords) receive different coating thicknesses tailored to their specific functional requirements. This local differentiation optimizes wear resistance and load distribution across the entire load-bearing member, with thicker coatings applied where wear is more severe and thinner coatings where flexibility is needed.
3Reliability
If coating material is applied to protect cords, then wear resistance improves, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition property of the coating material, which melts at a specific temperature during the fabric assembly process. The coating is applied to the cords in a solid state, then during manufacturing, heat is applied to melt the coating material, allowing it to flow and impregnate the fabric structure. After cooling, the coating solidifies to provide protective coverage. This phase transition approach enables automatic impregnation and distribution of the coating material throughout the fabric, enhancing wear resistance and service life while avoiding complex manual coating operations.
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 enhances load distribution, wear resistance, and service life by ensuring adequate coating material is present throughout the load bearing member, while maintaining flexibility and protecting against damage, thus improving the overall performance and longevity of elevator systems.
Implementation Method 1
the coatings include a first coating material and a second coating material... at least partially melting the coatings to thereby impregnate the fabric with coating material
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative example assembly for making an elevator load bearing member includes a fabric having a plurality of fibers arranged with some of the fibers transverse to others of the fibers. A plurality of cords are configured to support a load associated with an elevator car. The cords are included in the fabric and have respective coatings. The coatings include a first coating material and a second coating material, or include different coating thicknesses such that some of the coatings have a different coating thickness than others of the coatings, or the coatings include the first coating material and the second coating material and some of the coatings have a different coating thickness than others of the coatings.