Elevator Roller Guide Vibration Isolation via Universal Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller guide assemblies for elevator systems face challenges in providing effective noise and vibration isolation while maintaining a simple and cost-effective structure, and they often require complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A roller guide assembly featuring a base member with a shaft support and a vibration dampening element comprising an elastomer body that forms an elastically spring-loaded universal joint, allowing for angular movement of the shaft and roller wheel, thereby isolating vibrations and noise from the base member, and enabling easy adjustment for different guide rail sizes through a polygonal elastomer body shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional vibration dampening elements are used with multiple attachment points, then vibration isolation is provided, but the structure becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple attachment points into a single attachment point by designing the shaft as a universal joint that can accommodate angular movements in multiple directions. This single universal joint attachment point replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate dampening elements and attachment points, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining vibration isolation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed as a universal joint that provides multi-directional angular movement capability. This universal joint serves multiple functions: it attaches the roller wheel assembly to the base member, provides vibration dampening through the elastomeric body, and allows angular adjustments in multiple directions to accommodate guide rail irregularities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid shaft attachment is used to base member, then structural stability is maintained, but vibration and noise are transmitted to the base member
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric body serves as an intermediary element between the shaft and the base member. It provides a compliant connection that allows the shaft to move angularly relative to the base member while dampening vibrations. The elastomeric material absorbs and dissipates vibrational energy, preventing its transmission to the base member while maintaining the structural connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a rigid, fixed attachment to a dynamic, flexible attachment. The universal joint with elastomeric body allows the shaft to dynamically adjust its angular position in response to guide rail irregularities and vibrations. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining stability and isolating vibrations.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed guide rail configuration is used, then precise alignment is achieved, but adaptability to different guide rail sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint with elastomeric body provides dynamic angular adjustment capability that allows the roller wheel assembly to adapt to different guide rail configurations. The shaft can rotate and articulate in multiple directions, accommodating variations in guide rail size, position, and alignment while maintaining proper roller wheel engagement with the guide rail surface.
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 solution effectively isolates vibrations and noise from the base member to the elevator device, allowing for a wide range of movement and large turning angles, while providing a simple, low-cost, and easily assembled structure adaptable to various guide rail dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration dampening element, the vibration dampening element comprising an elastomer body arranged between the shaft and the shaft support member for dampening vibration of the roller wheel and for isolating the vibration from the base member
Implementation Method 2
the elastomer body of the vibration dampening element being configured to form an elastically spring-loaded universal joint for the attachment of the shaft
Implementation Method 3
the elastomer body of the vibration dampening element being configured to form an elastically spring-loaded universal joint for the attachment of the shaft to provide a universal degree of freedom of an angular movement of the shaft and the roller wheel in relation to the base member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
A roller guide assembly (1) for an elevator device, the roller guide assembly comprising a base member (2) having a mounting means (3) for mounting to the elevator device, the base member comprising a shaft support member (4); a roller wheel (5) for engaging a guide rail (R) to be rolled on the guide rail; a shaft (6) on which the roller wheel (5) is bearing-mounted, the shaft being straight and non-rotatably supported by the shaft support member (4), and a vibration dampening element (7), the vibration dampening element comprising an elastomer body (8) arranged between the shaft (6) and the shaft support member (4) for dampening vibration of the roller wheel and for isolating the vibration from the base member. The shaft (6) is attached to the shaft support member (4) by the vibration dampening element (7) forming a single attachment point for the shaft (6). The elastomer body (8) is configured to form an elastically spring-loaded universal joint for the attachment of the shaft (6) to provide a universal degree of freedom of an angular movement of the shaft and the roller wheel (5) in relation to the base member (2).