Elevator Car Repositioning via Segmented Rucksack Guide Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in efficient repositioning of cars between vertical and horizontal lanes with limited space and high roller wear during vertical rides, as well as obstruction during lateral movement.
Innovation Solution
The use of rucksack guide rails and lateral guide rails allows for safe, efficient repositioning of cars with minimal space requirements, enabling continuous guidance through repositioning units and reducing roller wear by centralizing the weight force, while allowing lateral transfer without obstructing sideways movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lateral guide rails are used to guide cars between vertical shafts, then the car can be guided during lateral movement, but the guide rails obstruct sideways movement of the car through the transfer station
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail system is segmented into two distinct types: lateral guide rails for vertical shafts and rucksack guide rails for transfer stations. Each segment serves its specific function without interfering with the other, allowing guidance during lateral movement while enabling sideways movement through the transfer station
Solution Approach 2:
Rucksack guide rails act as an intermediary element that replaces the traditional lateral guide rails in the transfer station area. These intermediary rails are positioned to allow the car to pass through sideways while still providing necessary guidance, solving the obstruction problem
2Adaptability or versatility
If repositioning units are provided to reposition cars, then cars can be repositioned between vertical lanes, but the repositioning unit requires space and time for the repositioning operation
Solution Approach 1:
The rucksack guide rails are designed to be movable rather than fixed. During repositioning operations, the rails can be dynamically adjusted or retracted, allowing the repositioning unit to operate with minimal space requirements while maintaining the capability to guide cars through the transfer station
3Ease of operation
If traditional guide rails are used for vertical travel, then the car is guided along the lane, but roller wear increases during long vertical rides and braking maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail system changes its geometric parameters based on the operational mode. During vertical travel, the rucksack guide rails are positioned to centralize the car's weight force, reducing the lateral load on rollers. This parameter change minimizes roller wear during long vertical rides and braking maneuvers while maintaining guidance functionality
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes a first lane oriented in a first direction, a second lane oriented in a second direction, a car configured to travel in the first and second lanes, a repositioning unit configured to reposition the car from the first lane to the second lane and from the second lane to the first lane, and a plurality of guide rails disposed in each of the first and second lanes that are configured to guide the car along each of the first lane and the second lane. The plurality of guide rails includes a plurality of rucksack guide rails configured to guide the car when it is at least one of already on the repositioning unit, entering the repositioning unit, or exiting the repositioning unit, and a plurality of lateral guide rails configured to guide the car when it is not in the repositioning unit.