Elevator Door Interlock With Load-Bearing Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator door interlock systems are prone to maintenance issues due to wear and tear from bearing loads associated with moving hoistway doors, and the installation process is complex and time-consuming, often resulting in misalignment and reliability problems.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable elevator door interlock design featuring a latch with a coupling bumper and stationary support, where the coupling bumper is selectively movable relative to the pivot axis, allowing for alignment with the door coupler without altering the latch or switch positions, and the stationary support bears the load associated with moving the hoistway door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same roller bears load associated with moving the hoistway door in both directions, then the interlock structure is simplified, but wear and tear on the interlock latch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system is segmented into two distinct functional components: a first roller for unlocking the door by pushing on the vane, and a second roller for bearing the load during door movement. This segmentation separates the unlocking function from the load-bearing function, reducing wear on the unlocking roller and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A load-bearing structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the hoistway door and the interlock latch. This mediator absorbs and carries the load associated with moving the hoistway door, preventing direct transmission of load forces to the unlocking roller and latch mechanism.
2Reliability
If the interlock placement is adjusted to ensure accurate alignment with the coupler vanes, then door operation reliability improves, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock assembly is designed with self-aligning features where the first and second rollers are positioned to automatically align with the coupler vanes during door operation. This self-service alignment eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment procedures, reducing installation time while maintaining reliable door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock components are pre-positioned and pre-aligned during manufacturing or assembly, so that upon installation the interlock is already configured for proper alignment with the coupler vanes. This preliminary action eliminates time-consuming field adjustments and ensures reliable operation from installation.
3Reliability
If the lock and switch components are repositioned to achieve accurate interlock alignment, then door system reliability improves, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock and switch components are merged into a integrated assembly with the interlock mechanism, positioned and aligned as a single unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate positioning and adjustment of individual components, reducing installation complexity while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock assembly is designed as a universal component that incorporates both the locking mechanism and switch actuation functions in a single integrated structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lock and switch component positioning, simplifying installation while ensuring reliable door system operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative example elevator door interlock includes a latch situated for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between a door locking position and a released position. At least one coupling bumper is situated for movement with the latch between the door locking and released positions. The coupling bumper is selectively moved relative to the pivot axis into an alignment position where the coupling bumper is positioned to cooperate with a door coupler. At least one stationary support is situated to contact the coupling bumper when the latch is in the released position where the stationary support bears a load associated with moving an associated door.