Elevator Door Lock Actuator with Notched Sector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator landing door lock systems face challenges in operating without a cam, particularly in elevators for people with reduced mobility or those without a cabin, and existing electromagnet control devices suffer from high attractive force requirements and heating issues during prolonged immobilization.
Innovation Solution
A landing door lock system with a rotating actuator and a notched sector design that maintains constant torque and allows for universal side usage without additional components, utilizing a step-by-step electric motor and return springs for efficient operation and emergency unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electromagnet is used to control the locking bolt, then the bolt can be actuated directly without a cam, but the coil requires high-intensity attractive force leading to large size and continuous energization causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnet's direct magnetic attraction mechanism with a mechanical gear train system. The electric motor drives a pinion that engages with a notched sector, which in turn actuates the bolt through a control rod. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for continuous high-intensity electromagnetic force, allowing the system to maintain the bolt in the open position without continuous coil energization, thereby preventing overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet is energized only periodically to advance the bolt to the open position, rather than being continuously energized. Once the bolt reaches the open position, the electromagnet is de-energized and a return spring maintains the open state. This periodic action reduces thermal load on the coil and prevents overheating during prolonged immobilization.
2Productivity
If a straight rack and pinion control device is used, then the bolt can be actuated linearly, but the tangential force generates variable rotational torque and requires different positioning for left and right side bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the straight rack with a notched sector having a curved, radiating geometry. The notches are arranged radially around a pivot point, allowing the control rod to engage at a constant radius from the pivot axis. This curved configuration ensures that the force is always applied perpendicular to the control rod, generating constant torque regardless of the sector's rotational position, thereby eliminating the need for different positioning for left and right side bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The notched sector is designed with asymmetric radial notches that are positioned to engage the control rod at optimal points during rotation. The notches are arranged such that one side of the sector provides engagement for left-side bolt configurations while the other side accommodates right-side configurations, allowing a single device to serve both orientations without repositioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed pivot axis with radiating notches is used, then constant torque is achieved, but the device complexity increases with the notched sector design
Solution Approach 1:
The notched sector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a gear transmission element, a torque amplifier, a position limiter, and a universal interface for both left and right side bolt configurations. The radiating notches provide engagement points that work for any bolt position, making the device universally applicable without requiring additional components or complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
The system provides efficient and reliable locking/unlocking functionality with reduced component requirements and lower electrical consumption, ensuring safe and durable operation regardless of door orientation or prolonged immobilization.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating actuator (13), preferably consisting of a step-by-step electric motor
Implementation Method 2
return means (11) consisting in a spring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (10) for a locking/unlocking element (5) usable to constitute a safety bolt (5) of a lock (1) of a landing door of an elevator device, the device comprising: - means for operating the element (11, 12) to move it reversibly in translation along a translation axis (X) from an out-locking position to an in-unlocking position, comprising means for returning the element to the out position mounted to support it along said translation axis and an operating arm (12) connected to the element such that a rotation of the arm causes a translation of the element; and - an actuation unit (13, 15, 16) for rotating the arm, comprising a rotational actuator (13) and transmission means (15, 16).The transmission means include a pinion (15) coupled to the actuator and a toothed sector (16) with which the pinion meshes, the sector being mounted pivotally about a fixed axis (P) on which is mounted pivotally the arm itself fixed to the sector, so that a meshing of the pinion on the sector causes a rotation of the sector about said fixed axis and a pivoting of the arm about said fixed axis for the control of the organ (5).