U-Shaped Support for Elevator Light Curtain Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing arrangements for light curtains in elevators are cumbersome, require multiple pieces and tools for installation, and can damage the door panels or reduce the IP-class of the light curtain due to screw holes, leading to increased installation time and risk of mistakes.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinal support device with a U-shaped slot for easy installation and maintenance, allowing the light curtain detectors to be shape-locked in place without tools, reducing the need for screws and minimizing damage to the door panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vertical support profile is used to attach detectors to the railing and sill, then the light curtain can be fixed in position, but the support profile becomes rather long and problematic to pack together with other equipment in the door construction
Solution Approach 1:
The support profile is divided into two separate pieces instead of one long piece. These two segments can be packed separately with other equipment and then assembled on-site, reducing packaging complexity while maintaining the vertical support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support profile design allows for adjustable length through telescopic adjustment or selection from multiple length variants, enabling the same basic component to adapt to different door heights without requiring completely different support structures.
2Device complexity
If the vertical support profile is made of one piece, then it is simple in structure, but it suits only one door height and requires different lengths to be kept in stock for different door heights
Solution Approach 1:
The support profile is designed to be adjustable in length, allowing a single structural design to accommodate multiple door heights. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need to stock multiple fixed-length variants while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support profile is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple door height requirements through adjustment mechanisms or modular assembly, making one component type suitable for various applications rather than requiring specialized variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vertical support profile is made of two separate pieces and attached with pop-rivets, then different lengths can be achieved, but this causes longer installation time and risk of installation mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The support profile segments are designed to be pre-assembled or pre-configured to the correct length before installation. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site assembly complexity and time, as the components arrive ready-to-install rather than requiring complex field assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The support profile system allows for easy length adjustment through a simple mechanism that enables quick configuration without requiring time-consuming pop-rivet assembly. The dynamic adjustment can be performed rapidly during installation.
4Reliability
If holes are made in the transmitter and receiver for screws to pass through, then the detectors can be attached to the support profile, but the IP-class of the light curtain is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is extracted from the detector housing itself and moved to separate support profiles or mounting brackets. This separation allows the detectors to be mounted without drilling holes in their housings, preserving their IP-class while achieving reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Separate support profiles or mounting brackets serve as intermediary elements between the detectors and the door construction. These intermediaries provide the attachment function without requiring modifications to the detector housings, thus maintaining their protective sealing.
5Reliability
If the light curtain is attached to the door panels with screws and brackets, then it can be securely fastened, but maintenance and replacement require disassembly of screws and brackets
Solution Approach 1:
The light curtain system is segmented into separable components: the detectors remain attached to the door panels, while the support profiles or mounting elements can be independently removed. This segmentation allows maintenance of the light curtain without requiring disassembly of permanent fastenings.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system incorporates dynamic or reversible mounting mechanisms that allow for easy installation and removal. Rather than permanent screw fastenings, the system uses adjustable or snap-fit mechanisms that enable quick maintenance access while maintaining secure operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The elevator comprises an elevator car with a door construction comprising at least one door panel opening and closing a passage to the elevator car. The light curtain (70) comprises a longitudinal transmitter and a longitudinal receiver facing towards each other. The fixing arrangement (100) comprises at least one longitudinal support device (110, 120) comprising a longitudinal support member (110) having a cross section in the form of a letter U, whereby the letter U forms a slot (112) for receiving the transmitter or the receiver of the light curtain (70).