Elevator Loading Support Sliding Plate Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heavy load hoisting machines, such as freight elevators, require the elevator car to be driven off a landing to retract loading bolts, causing delays and sudden acceleration, which complicates control software design and can damage equipment.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with a sliding plate and actuator system that allows the loading bolts to retract without the need to drive the elevator car off the landing, using oblique surfaces and wheels to reduce friction and facilitate smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If loading bolts are used to prevent elevator car bouncing during loading, then stability is improved, but the elevator car must be driven off the landing to retract the bolts causing delay and sudden acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The loading support changes from a static bolt system to a dynamic sliding plate system that can extend and retract smoothly. The sliding plate moves along oblique surfaces driven by a wedge mechanism, allowing continuous motion rather than discrete extension/retraction steps, thereby eliminating the need to drive off the landing and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that converts linear motion into the sliding motion of the plate along oblique surfaces. This intermediary mechanism enables the loading support to retract without requiring the elevator car to move vertically off the landing, thus eliminating the delay while maintaining stability during loading.
2Stability of the object's composition
If loading bolts are extended to prevent bouncing, then stability is improved, but control software complexity increases due to separate driving step
Solution Approach 1:
The extension and retraction of the loading support is merged with the normal elevator car movement. The sliding plate is actuated by a wedge mechanism that operates during the elevator car's normal movement between landings, combining the loading support function with the existing movement cycle. This eliminates the need for a separate driving step and simplifies control software.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading support system is self-actuating through the wedge mechanism that automatically extends or retracts the sliding plate based on the elevator car's position and movement. The system uses the existing movement energy and positioning to trigger the loading support actions without requiring separate control commands, thereby reducing control software complexity.
3Ease of operation
If elevator car is driven off landing to retract loading bolts, then bolt retraction is enabled, but sudden acceleration occurs causing equipment damage and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The loading support uses a dynamic sliding mechanism along oblique surfaces instead of a fixed bolt system. The sliding plate moves continuously along the oblique surfaces driven by the wedge actuator, enabling smooth retraction without sudden movements. This dynamic system allows the loading support to retract while the elevator car remains on the landing, avoiding sudden acceleration and its harmful effects.
4Ease of operation
If flat loading bolts are used perpendicular to shaft wall, then loading support function is provided, but friction prevents smooth retraction without driving off landing
Solution Approach 1:
The loading support uses oblique surfaces instead of flat perpendicular surfaces. The sliding plate moves along inclined oblique surfaces that reduce friction during retraction. The wedge-shaped geometry of the oblique surfaces converts the retraction motion into a smooth sliding action, eliminating the need for complex driving-off mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
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 reduces travel time between landings, simplifies elevator control systems, and enhances the smoothness and noise reduction of elevator car movement.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding plate being slideable over the oblique surface of the support block when being moved from the extended position to the retracted position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates a support apparatus for an elevator car. The support apparatus comprises a support block for attaching to a sidewall of an elevator hoistway, the support block having an oblique surface. The support apparatus also comprises a sliding plate for mounting to the elevator car. The sliding plate is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The sliding plate has an oblique surface facing the oblique surface of the support block when the sliding plate is in the extended position. The sliding plate is slideable over the oblique surface of the support block when being moved from the extended position to the retracted position. The support apparatus also comprises an actuator shaft attached to the sliding plate and an actuator configured to move the sliding plate using the actuator shaft from the extended position to the retracted position. The actuator is attachable to the elevator car.