Elevator Suspension Jacket with Rodent-Deterrent Additives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator suspension members made of compressible polymer jackets are susceptible to damage from rodent gnawing, leading to fraying, cracking, or splitting.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a rodent deterrent additive, such as natural or chemical repellents, into the jacket material or printed as an ink on the suspension member surfaces, edges, or specific areas to deter rodents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a compressible polymer jacket is used to encase suspension members, then the suspension members are protected and flexible, but the jacket becomes susceptible to rodent gnawing causing fraying, cracking, or splitting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection and flexibility of suspension memberVSAvoidrodent damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining the base polymer jacket material with rodent deterrent additives to create a composite jacket material that maintains the original protection and flexibility while adding rodent resistance properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating rodent deterrent additives specifically into the jacket material or applying them to specific portions of the jacket, targeting the areas most susceptible to rodent contact without compromising the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If rodent deterrent additive is mixed throughout the entire jacket, then rodent protection is maximized, but material cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverodent protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing the rodent deterrent additive to be distributed throughout the jacket or applied only to specific portions, enabling flexible manufacturing approaches that balance protection levels with production complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by permitting the rodent deterrent additive to be applied to only certain portions of the jacket rather than requiring complete coverage, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adequate protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20260000066A1Elevator suspension member with rodent deterrent additive

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

A method and assembly includes at least one suspension member that supports an elevator car and facilitates movement of the elevator car within a hoistway and a jacket that encases the at least one suspension member. The jacket comprises a first type of material and a rodent deterrent additive is associated with the first type of material.