Elevator Door Interlock External Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator door system maintenance is hindered by complex and time-consuming interlock installation processes, often resulting in inaccurate alignment between hoistway and elevator car door components, leading to reliability issues and frequent maintenance requests.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable elevator door interlock assembly with a carrier and follower mechanism, utilizing a threaded rod and nut system, allows for precise alignment without requiring personnel to enter the hoistway, enabling external adjustment of the interlock position relative to the hoistway door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional interlock installation methods are used, then the interlock can be installed, but the process is time-consuming and complicated requiring personnel to enter the hoistway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning device with a rod and follower mechanism as an intermediary tool that transmits adjustment movements from the accessible exterior side of the hoistway door to the interlock component located within the hoistway. This mediator enables remote adjustment without requiring personnel to enter the hoistway, thereby improving productivity while reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the adjustment operation from a one-dimensional direct manual positioning (requiring hoistway entry) to a two-dimensional operation where the rod extends through the door structure, allowing adjustment from the exterior side. This dimensional change enables technicians to access and adjust the interlock from a safe, accessible location
2Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning is used, then the interlock can be installed, but accurate alignment between hoistway and elevator car door components is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise manual positioning with a mechanical transmission system consisting of a rod and follower mechanism. This system converts rotational movement of the rod into precise linear movement of the interlock through threaded engagement, ensuring accurate alignment between the hoistway door interlock and the elevator car door coupler while simplifying the adjustment operation
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device incorporates a self-aligning follower mechanism that automatically maintains proper alignment between the rod and the interlock during adjustment. The follower's geometry and movement constraints ensure that the interlock is positioned accurately without requiring complex manual alignment procedures by the technician
3Reliability
If interlock position is adjusted, then alignment can be improved, but the adjustment process requires entering the hoistway which is unsafe and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rod serves as a mediator that transmits adjustment forces and movements from the safe exterior environment to the interlock component within the hoistway. This allows technicians to perform adjustments that ensure reliable alignment without exposing themselves to the hazards of entering the hoistway, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adjustment system into two distinct parts: the control mechanism (rod and follower) located on the accessible exterior side of the door, and the interlock component within the hoistway. This segmentation allows the adjustment function to be performed from a safe location while still achieving reliable alignment of the interlock
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
Facilitates reliable and efficient alignment of hoistway door interlocks with elevator car door couplers, reducing maintenance complexities and ensuring proper operation without the need for hoistway entry, thereby enhancing system reliability and simplifying maintenance procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the rod is threaded, the rod is selectively rotated and the follower moves longitudinally along the rod responsive to rotation of the rod
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An illustrative example method of positioning an elevator door interlock (30) includes positioning an elevator car (22) in a hoistway (32) near the hoistway door (26) so that at an elevator door coupler is aligned with the interlock (30), opening a door of the elevator car (22) and the hoistway door (26), accessing an adjustment mechanism (50) supporting the interlock (30) from outside of the hoistway (32), and using the adjustment mechanism (50) to adjust a position of the interlock (30) relative to the hoistway door (26) from outside the hoistway (32).