Elevator Rail Joint Tensioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail connection systems for elevator systems face challenges in achieving optimal fastening and alignment of rail sections, leading to potential offsets and limitations in fastening forces, which can result in assembly difficulties and reduced application range.
Innovation Solution
A rail connection system that utilizes a tensioning element within the transition area between rail sections, with a fastening profile extending over the transition area, allowing independent adjustment of fastening forces and alignment, and includes markings for precise assembly and identification of rail sections to ensure seamless integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If centering strips are inserted into rail sections to improve alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the fastening force is reduced due to the compromise between alignment forces and fastening forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connection system into separate functional components: centering strips for alignment and fastening elements for securing. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, enabling high alignment precision while maintaining high fastening forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering strips act as intermediary elements that facilitate alignment between rail sections without directly bearing the fastening load. The fastening elements then secure the connection independently, allowing the centering strips to focus solely on alignment precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the angle of inclination of centering surfaces is increased to improve alignment, then alignment capability is improved, but the fastening force decreases and the hollow profile may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the alignment function (centering strips with inclined surfaces) from the fastening function (fastening elements). This allows the centering surfaces to have optimal inclination angles for alignment without being constrained by fastening force requirements, while the fastening elements independently provide the necessary securing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the connection system by introducing separate fastening elements that can provide clamping force independently of the centering strip geometry. This allows optimization of the centering surface inclination angle for alignment purposes without compromising overall connection strength.
3Force
If fastening elements are positioned close to the transition area to improve fastening, then fastening effectiveness is improved, but alignment becomes difficult due to the narrow range of application
Solution Approach 1:
The centering strips serve as intermediary alignment aids that facilitate precise positioning of rail sections during assembly. These strips enable alignment operations to be performed effectively even when fastening elements are positioned optimally for fastening effectiveness, thus resolving the contradiction between fastening and alignment ease.
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 enables high fastening forces with optimal mechanical stress distribution, improved alignment, and reduced risk of cracks or discontinuities in the transition areas, resulting in a stable and efficient rail assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one tensioning element is provided which, in the assembled state, is arranged within the rail in a transition area and mechanically acts on at least one head side of the first rail section and/or at least one head side of the second rail section in the transition area from the inside
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
In a rail connection (1), which is used to connect a first rail section (2) and a second rail section (3) of a rail (4) of an elevator system, the first rail section (2) and the second rail section (3) are arranged adjacent to each other along an extension (20) of the rail (4) through the elevator shaft (85). At least one tensioning element (16, 17, 18) is provided, which, in the assembled state, is arranged within the rail (4) in a transition region (15), in which the first rail section (2) adjoins the second rail section (3). In the assembled state, the tensioning element (16, 17, 18) acts mechanically from the inside on at least one head side (7) of the first rail section (2) and/or at least one head side (8) of the second rail section (3) in the transition region (15). The invention furthermore relates to a rail (4) for an elevator system and a method for connecting rail sections (2, 3) of a rail (4) of an elevator system.