Elevator Guide Hub With Self-Centering Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator guides face challenges in efficiently guiding elevator cars and counterweights along guide rails due to friction issues and the need for adjustable spring forces and stops, as well as effective lubrication distribution, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a self-centering hub spring with adjustable spring force and stop mechanisms, lubricant receiving members, and initial set-up markings to enhance the positioning and reduce friction, allowing for independent adjustment of spring force and stop settings without affecting each other, and includes a hub spring configuration that prevents falling during assembly or manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hub spring is used to control relative movement of the hub and bracket, then the guide can accommodate misalignment and guide the elevator component, but the hub spring rubs against the wall portions of the hub spring bore during expansion and contraction, creating friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
A hub spring centering mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the hub spring and the hub spring bore wall. This centering mechanism prevents direct contact between the hub spring and the bore wall during expansion and contraction, eliminating friction and wear while maintaining the guiding function. The centering mechanism acts as a mediator that allows the hub spring to perform its function without harmful side effects.
2Device complexity
If the spring force and stop settings are integrated in a fixed configuration, then the structure is simple, but the spring force cannot be adjusted without affecting the stop setting and vice versa
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components: a stop setting mechanism and a spring force adjustment mechanism. These segmented components allow independent adjustment of stop position and spring force without affecting each other, providing adaptability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The stop mechanism and spring force mechanism are made independently adjustable, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized adjustment components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hub spring is freely insertable into the hub spring bore, then assembly is easy, but the hub spring can fall out during assembly, disassembly or manipulation of the elevator guide
Solution Approach 1:
The hub spring is pre-oriented with its open end facing a specific direction during assembly. The hub is designed with the spring insertion opening positioned to receive the hub spring in this predetermined orientation. This preliminary orientation ensures that the hub spring remains retained during assembly and manipulation while maintaining ease of assembly through a straightforward insertion process.
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 significantly reduces friction, allows for precise adjustment of spring force and stop positions, and ensures optimal lubricant distribution, resulting in improved performance and ease of use for elevator guides.
Implementation Method 1
A hub spring controls relative movement of the hub and bracket
Implementation Method 2
one or more lubricant receiving members configured to enhance distribution of a lubricant around and along the hub
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator guide having a bracket and a hub moveable relative to the bracket. A face arm and opposing side arms are connected to a cylindrical portion of the hub each having at least one guide member (e.g., wheel) or a gib assembly connected to the cylindrical portion of the hub. A self-centering hub spring is preferably provided. An adjustable hub spring force adjustment member for independently varying the spring force of the hub spring and an adjustable stop for independently adjusting the distance the hub can move away from an elevator rail are provided. The hub preferably includes one or more lubricant receiving members configured to enhance distribution of a lubricant. One or more components of the guide include one or more initial set-up markings that readily allow a user to position one or more components in an optimal set-up position to significantly reduce assembly time. The hub and hub spring are preferably configured to prevent the hub spring from falling out of the hub.