Elevator Roller Guide With Multi-Axis Support Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator system designers face challenges in reducing costs and fitting components within tighter space constraints, as traditional roller guides occupy more space and sliding guides are often more cost-effective but less efficient in high-speed applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of a roller guide assembly with a support sheet that integrates rollers on both sides of the elevator cab's sidewall, allowing for a three-roller configuration without the need for separate mounting, thereby reducing space requirements and installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional roller guides are used, then ride quality and energy efficiency are improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roller guide assembly integrates multiple rollers within a compact support sheet structure, nesting the guide function within the existing sidewall space. The first roller with axis parallel to the sheet and second/third rollers with axes perpendicular to the sheet are arranged to fit within the limited space between the sidewall and guiderail, achieving space-efficient guidance while maintaining roller benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning rollers with different axis orientations (parallel and perpendicular to the support sheet) to engage with the guiderail from multiple dimensions. This allows the guide assembly to fit within tighter space constraints while maintaining effective guidance functionality.
2Reliability
If traditional roller guides are used, then ride quality and energy efficiency are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support sheet integrates multiple roller support functions into a single structural component. The sheet simultaneously supports the first roller (with parallel axis) and the second and third rollers (with perpendicular axes), merging what would traditionally require separate mounting structures into one integrated assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support sheet serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for all three rollers, acts as a mounting interface for the sidewall, and positions the rollers in precise three-dimensional relationships. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall guide assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If sliding guide elements are used, then cost is reduced, but energy efficiency and ride quality worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces sliding contact with rolling contact by using three rollers instead of sliding elements. The first roller rotates on an axis parallel to the support sheet while the second and third rollers rotate on axes perpendicular to the sheet, substituting the high-friction sliding mechanism with low-friction rolling mechanisms to reduce energy losses.
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 configuration enables space savings and cost reduction while maintaining the advantages of roller guides, such as reduced frictional losses and improved ride quality, by positioning rollers between the cab and guiderails, allowing for efficient vertical movement.
Implementation Method 1
Roller guides also reduce energy consumption because they have reduced frictional losses compared to sliding guide elements
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An exemplary vertically moveable elevator system component includes a top portion, a bottom portion and a plurality of vertically oriented side portions between the top and bottom portions. At least one of the side portions includes a roller guide support sheet. A first roller guide roller is supported by the sheet such that the first roller is at least partially disposed on a first side of the sheet and an axis of the first roller is generally parallel with the sheet. Second and third rollers are supported by the sheet such that the second and third rollers are on a second, oppositely facing side of the sheet. An axis of each of the second and third rollers is generally perpendicular to the axis of the first roller. The axis of each of the second and third roller remains in a fixed position relative to the sheet.