Elevator Guide Rail Alignment Apparatus with Automated Actuators

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for aligning elevator guide rails and landing doors in an elevator shaft require extensive manual adjustments, leading to variability in alignment quality depending on the mechanic and are time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a frame, actuators, and gripping means that uses measuring devices to determine and adjust the position of guide rails and landing doors relative to the elevator shaft, allowing for precise alignment and reducing manual effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment methods are used for aligning guide rails and landing doors, then the alignment process can be performed with simple equipment, but the alignment quality varies depending on the mechanic's skill and extensive manual work is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment qualityVSAvoidmanual adjustment work

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated apparatus comprising a frame, actuators, and gripping means. The actuators automatically adjust the position of guide rails and landing doors based on measurements from measuring devices, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent alignment quality regardless of operator skill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment apparatus performs self-adjustment through its automated system. The measuring devices detect misalignment, and the actuators automatically correct the position of guide rails and landing doors without requiring external manual operation, making the system self-sufficient in achieving precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual adjustment methods are used for aligning guide rails and landing doors, then the equipment required is simple, but the alignment process is time-consuming and requires multiple adjustment passes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment process speedVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated apparatus with actuators and measuring devices performs alignment operations continuously and efficiently, replacing the slow manual process. The system can quickly measure misalignment and execute corrective adjustments, significantly reducing the time required compared to multiple manual adjustment passes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment apparatus operates continuously to achieve alignment in a single pass. The measuring devices and actuators work in sequence without interruption, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment passes and maximizing productivity while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If automated apparatus with actuators and measuring devices is used, then alignment quality is consistent and precise, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment consistencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment apparatus is designed as a multi-functional integrated system. The frame provides structural support, the actuators perform adjustment functions, and the measuring devices detect alignment status. This universal design achieves precise and consistent alignment while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3090976B1Apparatus and method for aligning guide rails and landing doors in an elevator shaft

Publication Date: 2020.03.04 KONE OYJ

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The apparatus (900) comprises a frame (100), a first pair of actuators (210, 220) and a second pair of actuators (230, 240) being positioned on opposite sides of the frame (100), each actuator (210, 220, 230, 240) comprising a support arm (212, 222, 232, 242) being movable in a second direction (S2), each actuator (210, 220, 230, 240) being supported on the frame (100) with a support mechanism (310, 320, 330, 340) being movable in a third direction (S3) perpendicular to the second direction (S2), first gripping means (411, 412) being supported on a first side of the frame (100) and second gripping means (421, 422) being supported on a second opposite side of the frame (100), measuring means (510, 520) being attached to opposite sides of the frame (100) in the vicinity of the first gripping means (411, 412) and the second gripping means (421, 422), said measuring means (510, 520) being used to determine the position of the apparatus (900) in the elevator shaft (20), whereby opposite car guide rails (51, 52) can be adjusted in relation to each other and in relation to the elevator shaft (20) with the alignment apparatus (900).