Elevator Hoisting Machine Multi-Point Fixing and Elastomer Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to increase the rigidity of a hoisting machine while minimizing its size, particularly when it is fixed to a support structure, while also maximizing the space utilization in an elevator hoistway, as existing solutions compromise on rigidity and noise levels when compacted.

Innovation Solution

The hoisting machine is fixed to an elongated support structure with multiple points, using elastomer dampers to absorb vibrations and resist bending forces, allowing for a more lightweight and efficient design that maintains rigidity without the need for excessive structural rigidity, and incorporating a stiffener rib for additional support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the hoisting machine is made compact to maximize space utilization, then the space efficiency is improved, but the rigidity of the hoisting machine deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of hoisting machineVSAvoidrigidity of hoisting machine
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-point fixation to multi-point fixation distributed in space. By fixing the hoisting machine at multiple points (at least two points) on the support structure, the solution adds spatial dimensionality to the support system, thereby achieving both compact size and sufficient rigidity without requiring excessive structural mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs elastomer dampers as intermediary elements between the hoisting machine and the support structure. These elastomer elements provide both mechanical support and vibration damping functionality, creating a composite support system that maintains rigidity while allowing for compact design and reducing noise transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Volume of moving object

If the hoisting machine is made compact to fit narrow spaces, then the space utilization is improved, but the noise level increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of hoisting machineVSAvoidnoise level
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces elastomer dampers as intermediary elements between the hoisting machine and the support structure. These elastomer elements serve as mediators that absorb and dampen vibrations generated by the hoisting machine, thereby reducing noise transmission to the support structure and surrounding environment while maintaining the compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the hoisting machine is fixed at a single point to simplify installation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the rigidity and vibration damping deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing arrangementVSAvoidrigidity of hoisting machine
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fixation system into multiple discrete fixing points (at least two points) distributed on the support structure. This segmentation of the support system provides both simplified installation at each individual point and enhanced overall rigidity through the distributed multi-point configuration, while also improving vibration damping characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively dampens vibrations and maintains structural integrity, enabling a more compact and efficient hoisting machine design that can handle bending forces without the need for excessive rigidity, thus optimizing space usage in elevator hoistways.

Implementation Method 1

The hoisting machine is connected from its fixing points to a fixing means/to fixing means with dampers that are preferably of elastomer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

dampers that are preferably of elastomer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastomer damping: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

incorporating a stiffener rib for additional support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructural reinforcement:

Data Source

PatentEP3210925B1Elevator assembly
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 KONE OYJ
  • EP3210925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3210925B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3210925B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

The invention relates to an elevator assembly, which comprises an elevator car (15); which elevator car is suspended in the elevator hoistway with suspension means (16); and which elevator assembly comprises a hoisting machine (2) for moving the elevator car (15) along a guide rail (9) fixed to a wall part (17) of the elevator hoistway; the stationary structure (3) of which hoisting machine (2) comprises a stator (18); and the rotating structure (4) of which hoisting machine comprises a rotor (20) and also a traction sheave (5); which traction sheave (5) comprises a traction surface (14) for receiving the aforementioned suspension means (16); which suspension means (16) are rotatably supported with the aforementioned traction surface (14); and which stator (18), rotor (20) and traction sheave (5) are fitted concentrically onto the axis of rotation (19) of the hoisting machine; and which hoisting machine (2) is fitted into connection with the aforementioned guide rail (9) fixed to a wall part (17) of the elevator hoistway apart from the wall surface such that the suspension means (16) arriving at the traction surface (14) and/or leaving from the traction surface of the traction sheave travel closer to the wall part (17) of the elevator hoistway than the rear part (21) of the guide rail; and the rotating structure (4) of which hoisting machine is supported on the stationary structure (3) of the hoisting machine via one or more bearings (24); and the stationary structure (3) of which hoisting machine is further supported on the aforementioned guide rail (9) fixed to a wall part of the elevator hoistway such that the guide rail (9) bears the force exerted on the traction surface (14) via the suspension means (16); such that the stator (18) of the hoisting machine comprises a concentrated fractional-slot winding, the slot number q of which is smaller than 0.5; and that the distance of the rear surface (21) of the aforementioned guide rail (9) fixed to a wall part (17) of the elevator hoistway from the aforementioned wall part (17) of the elevator hoistway is selected to be: a) at least 120 millimeters and at most 170 millimeters when the nominal load of the elevator car (15) is at most 480 kg; b) at least 128 millimeters and at most 170 millimeters when the nominal load of the elevator car (15) is greater than 480 kg and smaller than, or equal to, 680 kg; c) at least 150 millimeters and at most 195 millimeters when the nominal load of the elevator car (15) is greater than 680 kg and smaller than 1155 kg.