Self-Propelled Elevator Drive Using Friction Wheels on Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems require complex configurations to move cars in both vertical and horizontal directions, often involving linear motors that complicate the system.

Innovation Solution

A drive device for a self-propelled elevator utilizing rotating bodies with wheels that generate motion through friction with guide surfaces of rails, allowing cars to move in both vertical and horizontal directions with a simplified configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a linear motor is used to move the car in vertical and horizontal directions, then the car can be moved in multiple directions, but the system configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-directional movement capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single type of wheel mechanism that can function in both vertical and horizontal directions. The wheels are configured to contact the rail in different orientations, allowing the same basic mechanism to provide propulsion in multiple directions without requiring separate linear motors for each axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by using friction-based wheel contact with the rail instead of a linear motor. This reversal of the propulsion mechanism simplifies the system by replacing a complex electromagnetic drive with a simpler mechanical friction-based drive that achieves the same multi-directional movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a linear motor system is used, then multi-directional movement is achieved, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-directional movement capabilityVSAvoiddrive device weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic linear motor system with a mechanical friction-based wheel system. This substitution reduces the overall weight by eliminating heavy electromagnetic components while maintaining the capability for both vertical and horizontal movement through properly oriented wheels contacting the rail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a linear motor is used, then the car can move in multiple directions, but vibration and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-directional movement capabilityVSAvoidvibration and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the linear motor with a friction-based wheel mechanism that naturally provides smoother operation. The friction contact between wheels and rail reduces vibration and noise compared to electromagnetic actuators, while the simple mechanical design minimizes sources of harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from electromagnetic force to friction-based mechanical force. This parameter change results in reduced vibration and noise levels while achieving the same multi-directional movement capability through the wheel-rail friction interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables cars to move in both vertical and horizontal directions using a simple and lightweight drive device, reducing system complexity and suppressing vibration and noise while optimizing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

which generate, by friction between the wheels and the rail, a force that moves the cab in a vertical direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12503340B2Carrier device

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

To provide a drive device for a self-propelled elevator which is capable of moving a car in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction with a simple configuration. The drive device for a self-propelled elevator includes: a rotating body which is rotatably coupled to a back face of a cab; and wheels which are provided on the rotating body so as to sandwich guide surfaces of a rail on a back face side of the cab, which generate, by friction between the wheels and the rail, a force that moves the cab in a vertical direction when a longitudinal direction of the rail is the vertical direction, and which generate, by a friction force between the wheels and the rail, a force that moves the cab in a horizontal direction when the longitudinal direction of the rail is the horizontal direction.