Elevator Car Frame with Gallows Support and Elastic Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Eccentrically suspended elevators with L- or C-shaped car frames face inefficiencies due to space constraints and higher friction losses, limiting the use of space in elevator shafts and hindering the installation of larger components like buffers.
Innovation Solution
The support frame is redesigned with vertically shortened parts to create additional space below the elevator car, allowing for a gallows-like car frame configuration where the elevator car hangs from the upper horizontal part, enabling optimal space utilization and accommodating other shaft installations, and using elastic bearings for improved comfort and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the vertical parts of the support frame are extended to reach the lower edge of the elevator car, then the structural support is strengthened, but the space below the elevator car is reduced, preventing installation of buffers and other components
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame's vertical parts are shortened to end above the lower edge of the elevator car, creating unused vertical space in the shaft pit. This dimensional adjustment allows buffers and other components to be installed in the gap between the support frame and shaft wall, effectively utilizing the shaft pit space without compromising the load-bearing function of the support frame.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an L-shaped or C-shaped car frame is used for eccentric suspension, then the car can be accessed from three sides and door positioning is flexible, but torques from car guidance must be absorbed leading to higher friction losses
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance function is extracted from the car frame structure itself and transferred to separate guidance rails or guides that are part of the support frame. This allows the L-shaped or C-shaped car frame to maintain its flexibility for door positioning while the dedicated guidance elements handle the torques and guidance forces, reducing friction losses in the suspension system.
3Strength
If a voluminous frame construction completely enclosing the elevator car is used, then the car is well supported, but considerable space is required reducing the usable floor area
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from an enclosing frame construction and implemented through a simplified support frame with vertical parts that extend only partially below the elevator car. This selective support approach provides adequate structural strength while eliminating the need for a voluminous enclosing frame, thereby maximizing the usable floor area of the elevator car.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame's vertical parts are positioned to end above the lower edge of the elevator car, creating continuous usable space in the shaft pit for installing buffers and other components. This continuous space utilization maintains structural support functionality while avoiding the space consumption of an enclosing frame.
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
This design allows for compact, efficient use of space in shaft pits, enabling smaller shaft dimensions and improved installation spaces, while reducing friction losses and enhancing driving comfort through mechanical and acoustic decoupling.
Implementation Method 1
The elevator car (3) is suspended on the support frame (2) by means of an elastic bearing
Implementation Method 2
elastic bearings for improved comfort and decoupling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The cabin (3) as well as the counterweight (4) are suspended in a two to one relation and moved by a belt (6) and pulley drive (7,8,9). The carrying frame (2) is assembled of a vertical and a horizontal part, the horizontal part positioned on the roof of the cabin (3). A return pulley (10) attached to the lower end of the vertical part which ends at a distance from the bottom of the cabin (3) saves space underneath the unit. Two shock absorbers (5) are positioned between the bottom of the shaft (1) and the bottom of the cabin (3) when lowered down.