Self-aligning elevator guide union with conical screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator guide union systems lack efficient self-alignment mechanisms, often requiring complex setups and excessive material usage, which can lead to suboptimal mechanical performance and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning union system for elevator guides featuring auxiliary parts that force screws into specific positions, utilizing extra-flat plates with strategically sized and spaced orifices and retaining means like screws and nuts with conical heads to apply precise frontal pressure, aligning the guides through mechanical offsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional union systems are used for elevator guides, then the structure is simpler, but the self-alignment capability is insufficient and mechanical performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The conical zone under the screw head is designed to preliminarily force the screw into a specific position during insertion. As the screw is inserted, the conical zone guides it to engage with the orifice at the correct angle and depth, automatically achieving alignment before final tightening. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the union components, specifically using extra-flat plates with strategically sized and spaced orifices. The offset between the orifice positions on the plate versus the wings creates a mechanical leverage system that amplifies the alignment effect. This parameter optimization enables effective self-alignment with simpler overall structure.
2Strength
If conventional union plates are used, then material usage is higher, but structural integrity and mechanical behavior are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The extra-flat plate configuration with optimized orifice positioning changes the stress distribution parameters within the union system. By carefully selecting the orifice locations and sizes, the design achieves maximum mechanical advantage with minimum material. The offset between plate orifices and wing orifices creates a lever arm that multiplies the alignment force, reducing the need for excessive plate thickness or material quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The union system is segmented into distinct functional components: the extra-flat plate, the wings with orifices, and the conical screws. Each segment performs a specific function - the plate provides the reference plane and orifice positioning, the wings provide structural support and alignment surfaces, and the screws provide the alignment force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both strength and material efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If auxiliary parts with offsets are used, then self-alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the extra-flat plate component. The plate simultaneously serves as the reference plane for alignment, the mounting surface for the wings, and the structural element that transmits forces. The conical zone under the screw head combines the fastening function with the alignment function in a single feature. This merging reduces the number of separate auxiliary parts while maintaining high alignment precision through the integrated offset geometry.
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
The solution enhances mechanical behavior and reduces material usage, enabling efficient and cost-effective self-alignment of elevator guides with improved structural integrity and reduced material consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the screws have a conical zone under their head; which comes into contact and is housed in the holes of the corresponding upper plate only when the screw is inserted almost completely, at this moment the screws approach on the same side and a slight frontal pressure is produced in the guides in them. self-aligning.
Implementation Method 2
retaining means are arranged in these holes, aligned axially; these means pressing and compressing the wings of the guides between the upper plates and the lower plate while exerting a slight frontal pressure on the guides to align them
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
Self-aligning union for elevator guides, having a mushroom core (13) and wings (14). Each wing (14) has a through hole (141) in its union area, and the following are arranged: - under the wings (14) an extra-flat plate (2), provided with four through holes (21) corresponding to the holes (141) of the guides (1) to be joined; - above the wings (14) extra-flat plates (3), each having two through holes (31) corresponding to the two holes (141) of two guides (1) to be joined. - in these holes (141), (31) and (21), retaining screws (41) secured by nuts (42); these screws (41) having a conical head (411). The orifices (31) of the plates (3) have a diameter greater than the orifices (141) of the wings (14). The distance between the orifices (31) of the plates (3) is less than the distance between the two orifices (141) of the wings (14) on the same side.