Elevator Fiber Belt Interlayer for Strength and Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems using composite tension members are highly rigid, costly, and limited in application, and there is a need for a more flexible and cost-effective load-bearing solution for elevator belts.
Innovation Solution
A belt system with unidirectional fibers formed into tension members, where an interlayer promotes adhesion and lubrication between the jacket material and tension members, allowing for improved flexibility and reduced weight, using materials like polyurethanes and polyesters, and potentially multiple tension member layers with interlayers for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If composite tension members formed from fibers impregnated with thermoset resin and heat-cured are used, then strength is improved, but rigidity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from thermoset resin to thermoplastic polyamide, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties. Thermoplastics maintain high strength while providing flexibility and elasticity, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and flexibility by selecting a material with different physical parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining high-strength fibers (aramid, polyester, or polyethylene) with thermoplastic polyamide matrix. This composite approach allows the material to exhibit both the high tensile strength of the fibers and the flexibility of the thermoplastic matrix, simultaneously achieving strength and adaptability
2Strength
If composite tension members with thermoset resin are used, then strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the curing parameter from heat-cured thermoset to thermoplastic material that does not require curing. This eliminates expensive curing equipment and processes while maintaining high strength properties, directly reducing manufacturing cost while preserving strength
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive composite materials requiring complex manufacturing with more economical thermoplastic-based tension members. The simpler manufacturing process using thermoplastics reduces production costs while achieving comparable or superior performance
3Device complexity
If conventional belt structures without interlayers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adhesion between jacket and tension members deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interlayer as a mediator between the jacket and tension members. This interlayer improves adhesion and load transfer while remaining a relatively simple component, resolving the contradiction by adding a functional element that enhances reliability without significantly increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The interlayer is applied locally only where adhesion is needed between the jacket and tension members, rather than throughout the entire belt structure. This localized approach improves adhesion reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 provides a flexible, lightweight, and cost-effective elevator belt system with improved durability and resistance to splitting, capable of meeting strength and operational requirements for suspending and driving elevator cars.
Implementation Method 1
the interlayer is configured to promote adhesion between the jacket material and the tension member of the one or more tension members
Implementation Method 2
the interlayer is configured to provide lubrication to the tension member of the one or more tension members
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 2B~3
AI summary
A belt for an elevator system includes one or more tension members arranged along a belt width and extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, each tension member including a plurality of fibers extending along the belt length. A jacket material at least partially encapsulates the plurality of tension members. An elevator system includes a hoistway, an elevator car located in the hoistway and movable therein, and a belt operably connected to the elevator car to suspend and/or drive the elevator car along the hoistway. The belt includes one or more tension members arranged along a belt width and extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, each tension member including a plurality of fibers extending along the belt length. A jacket material at least partially encapsulates the plurality of tension members.