Elevator Suspension Hitch Plate Rotation for Modernization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator installations with sheave systems are not suitable for modernization when the existing cabin frame and counterweight require no modifications, as they need specific through holes and adjustments that may not be feasible for varying hoistway layouts.

Innovation Solution

A coupling system comprising a frame with spaced side walls and a hitch plate, allowing the hitch plate to be rotatable about a vertical axis, with fixtures for pulley devices and adjustable angles, enabling secure and flexible coupling of the suspension medium to the load carrying structure without requiring modifications to the existing frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sheave systems with tie bolts and through holes are used, then the suspension medium can be securely coupled to the load carrying structure, but the system requires modifications to the existing frame which are not feasible for modernization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure couplingVSAvoidadaptability to existing frames

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coupling system as an intermediary component between the suspension medium and the load carrying structure. This coupling system includes a frame with side walls and a hitch plate that can be attached to the existing yoke without drilling through holes, thereby maintaining secure coupling while adapting to existing frames.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system is divided into separate modular components: a frame with side walls and a hitch plate. This segmentation allows the hitch plate to be independently attached to the existing yoke without modifying the frame structure, enabling adaptation to existing elevators during modernization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If sheave systems are individually rotatable and adjustable, then flexibility for varying hoistway layouts is improved, but the requirement for through holes and modifications to the cabin frame and counterweight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for varying layoutsVSAvoidease of installation without modifications

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch plate is designed to be rotatable about a vertical axis within the coupling system, providing dynamic adjustability for varying hoistway layouts. This rotational capability allows the system to adapt to different installation angles without requiring through holes or modifications to the existing cabin frame or counterweight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the hitch plate is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler and more stable, but the ability to accommodate various hoistway layouts and angles is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadjustability to layouts

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8827045B2Suspension and traction media interface for elevators

Publication Date: 2014.09.09 INVENTIO AG

AI summary

A system for coupling a suspension medium to a load carrying structure of an elevator installation includes a frame and a hitch plate. The frame has two spaced apart side walls, wherein the side walls are positionable to receive a part of the load carrying structure between the side walls. Each side wall has a receptacle having a longitudinal shape. The hitch plate has at least one fixture configured to couple to a sheave arrangement for the suspension medium. Each receptacle is sized to movably receive a section of the hitch plate so that the hitch plate extends between the side walls and is rotatable about a vertical axis.