Automated Elevator Guide Rail Installation System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing elevator guide rails are labor-intensive and lack automation, requiring manual alignment and installation, which can be inefficient and prone to errors, especially in taller elevator shafts.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that automates the installation of guide rails by using a combination of industry robots and alignment tools, allowing for the manual installation of the first section and subsequent automatic alignment and attachment of subsequent sections, utilizing a lifting frame and installation platform with hoists to position and secure guide rail elements with support brackets and bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual installation methods are used for guide rails, then installation flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity increases and installation precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail installation system is divided into multiple independent modules: a lifting frame for vertical movement, an installation platform for positioning, alignment tools for precision alignment, and attachment mechanisms for securing rails. Each module can be independently controlled and positioned, enabling automated installation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated installation systems are introduced, then installation precision and efficiency improve, but system complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment tools serve as intermediary devices between the installation platform and the guide rails, providing precise measurement and adjustment capabilities. These tools act as mediators that translate automated platform positioning into accurate rail alignment, enabling high precision installation without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
3Ease of operation
If manual labor is used for high-height installations, then equipment requirements are minimized, but safety risks and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation platform is designed to be movable to different heights along the guide rails using the lifting frame, allowing workers to operate at equipotential positions regardless of installation height. This eliminates the need for workers to manually handle heavy rails at dangerous heights, significantly improving safety while the automated positioning system manages the complexity of vertical movement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method comprises the steps of plumbing the shaft (20), installing a lowermost first section of guide rail elements (50) manually to walls of the shaft (20), arranging an upwards and downwards in the shaft (20) with a first hoist (H1) movable lifting frame (600), arranging an upwards and downwards in the shaft (20) with a second hoist (H2) movable installation platform (500) provided with a guide apparatus (700), an installation apparatus (800) and an alignment tool (400), drilling holes and fastening support brackets to the walls of the shaft (20) with the installation apparatus (800), lifting guide rail elements (50) with a third hoist (H3) from the lifting frame (600) and guiding said guide rail elements (50) into position with the guide apparatus (700), joining consecutive guide rail elements (50) with the installation apparatus (800), aligning opposite guide rail elements (50) with the alignment tool (400) and locking the support brackets with the installation apparatus (800).