Elevator Guide Rail Adjustment Device Plumb Line Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustment methods for guide rails in elevator systems are error-prone due to deflection of the plumb line and require precise angle measurements, making them difficult to read accurately and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

An adjustment device with a frame having perpendicular segments and integrated measuring scales, along with a signal transmitter that emits optical or acoustic signals when in contact with the plumb line, allowing for precise alignment and measurement without the need for specific angle readings, and an insulating material to prevent electrical contact during measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a measuring instrument is placed against the plumb line to measure distance, then the position of the guide rail can be determined, but the plumb line is easily deflected from its original position leading to distorted readings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the frame with integrated measuring scales and reading windows) that allows measurement without direct contact between the measuring instrument and the plumb line. The plumb line passes through the frame structure, and measurements are taken through reading windows, preventing deflection while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If viewing windows with measuring scales are spaced away from the plumb line, then the device structure is simplified, but accurate measurement can only be read if the reading is taken at a specific angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidreading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the reading windows and measuring scales such that they are all at the same level (equipotential in terms of reading angle). The frame structure brings the reading windows into alignment with the plumb line at a common reading plane, eliminating the need for specific angle readings while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional measuring methods are used with spaced viewing windows, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the adjustment process becomes more time-consuming due to repeated measurements and corrections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice manufacturing easeVSAvoidadjustment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the measuring scales, reading windows, and frame structure into a single integrated adjustment device. The measuring scales are directly incorporated into the frame segments, and the reading windows are positioned to provide direct reading of the plumb line position, combining multiple functions into one device to improve adjustment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 precise measurement of the guide rail's position with millimeter accuracy, reducing errors and improving measurement accuracy by preventing plumb line deflection during measurement.

Implementation Method 1

at least one plumb line... which is stretched vertically in the elevator shaft and serves as a reference for adjusting the guide rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3680207B1Adjusting device for adjusting a guide rail
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR INNOVATION AND OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP3680207B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3680207B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3680207B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an adjustment device (10) for adjusting a guide rail (20) in an elevator system, comprising at least one elevator shaft. The adjustment device (10) comprises at least one plumb line (11), at least one frame (12) which includes a first segment (121) for contacting the guide rail (20) and a second segment (122) arranged perpendicular to the first segment (121), a first measuring scale for detecting a position of the guide rail (20) with respect to the at least one plumb line (11) in a first spatial direction, wherein the first measuring scale is arranged on the second segment (122) of the frame (12), and a second measuring scale for detecting a position of the guide rail (20) with respect to the at least one plumb line (11) in a second spatial direction.The invention further comprises a method for adjusting a guide rail (20), wherein a first segment (121) of a frame (12) is positioned in the extension direction of the guide rail (20); the position of the guide rail (20) with respect to a plumb line (11) in a first spatial direction is measured by means of a first measuring scale arranged on a second segment (122) of the frame (12) arranged perpendicular to the first segment (121); the position of the guide rail (20) with respect to the plumb line (11) in a second spatial direction is measured by means of a second measuring scale; and the position of the guide rail (20) measured by means of the first/second measuring scale is compared with reference values.