Elevator Guide Rail Fastening with Spring-Compensated Insulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices for holding guide rails in elevators generate significant noise when driving over rail joints and require frequent maintenance to ensure correct tightening torque of attachment screws, which is labor-intensive due to material expansion and aging effects.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a structure-borne noise isolator with adjustable stops and a spring assembly to limit deformation and maintain clamping force, eliminating the need for regular torque checks by accounting for insulator expansion and using a U-shaped fastening bracket and counter-profile to restrict movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an elastic insulator material (elastomer or rubber) is used to reduce noise, then noise absorption is improved, but the tightening torque of fastening screws changes due to expansion and aging, requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring element that changes its mechanical parameters (force, deflection) in response to temperature and material expansion changes. The spring compensates for the insulator's expansion and aging by adjusting its preload force, thereby maintaining stable tightening torque on the fastening screws despite changes in the insulator material's dimensions over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors and compensates for changes in the insulator material. As the insulator expands or contracts due to temperature or aging, the spring automatically adjusts the clamping force to maintain the required tightening torque, creating a self-regulating system that eliminates the need for frequent manual torque checks.
2Reliability
If regular torque checks of fastening screws are performed to ensure safety, then reliability is maintained, but maintenance burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element enables the fastening system to be self-regulating and self-compensating. Instead of requiring external maintenance personnel to periodically check and adjust torque values, the spring automatically maintains the correct tightening force through its elastic properties, making the system service itself and eliminating routine maintenance interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded during assembly to provide the correct initial tightening torque. This preliminary action of pre-tensioning the spring ensures that the fastening screws maintain proper torque throughout operation, preventing loosening or overtightening before maintenance is due, thereby extending maintenance intervals significantly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the insulator is allowed to expand freely due to aging and settling, then material flexibility is maintained, but the fastening torque becomes incorrect and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element acts as an intermediary between the insulator material and the fastening screw. It decouples the direct mechanical connection, allowing the insulator to expand and contract freely while the spring maintains a consistent clamping force on the screw. This intermediary absorbs the dimensional changes of the insulator and translates them into stable fastening conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adaptive connection. The spring provides a dynamic force that automatically adjusts to the insulator's expansion and settling, maintaining optimal fastening torque throughout the insulator's service life rather than being fixed at installation values.
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 solution significantly reduces maintenance efforts by extending the interval for checking screw seating and ensuring secure fastening, while maintaining safety standards and reducing noise through precise clamping and sound damping.
Implementation Method 1
the insulator material, such as an elastomer or rubber, exhibits expansion behavior
Implementation Method 2
acts as a structure-borne noise insulator due to its flexibility
Implementation Method 3
a spring assembly to limit deformation and maintain clamping force
Implementation Method 4
pre-tensioning of the elastomeric intermediate layer, which acts as a structure-borne noise insulator
Implementation Method 5
the stops act as abutments, limiting the sum of deformations of the rail fastening and the rail itself
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The device (1) has a fastening console fixed at a guide rail (2), and a counter profile (9) connected with a shaft wall (4). An insulator (8) is arranged between the fastening console and the counter-profile. Stoppers are provided as counter bearings for the insulator for limiting expansion motion at the fastening console, the counter-profile, the guide rail and/or the shaft wall. A space (12) is formed between the counter bearings and the insulator. A spring or a spring pack is provided at the shaft wall below a nut (5.2) for a fastening screw (5).