Elevator Guide Roller Damping for Uneven Rail Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator guide rails in long-term use can become uneven, causing horizontal vibrations of the elevator car, which existing hydraulic damping devices may not adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A guide device for elevator systems featuring a damping device with an oscillating rod, guide pin, and friction members that provide damping through frictional contact, ensuring stability and reducing vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If hydraulic damping devices are used to alleviate vibrations, then vibration reduction is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevibrationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hydraulic damping devices with a simplified mechanical damping device consisting of a friction member, oscillating rod, and guide pin. This mechanical system achieves vibration damping through friction-based energy dissipation rather than hydraulic fluid dynamics, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining vibration reduction effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The friction member is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily replaced when worn. This approach uses a simpler, less expensive friction-based mechanism instead of complex hydraulic systems, accepting that the friction member will wear over time but can be quickly replaced to maintain vibration damping functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Stability of the object's composition

If friction members are added to the damping device, then damping effect is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping effectVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the damping function directly into the roller support structure by integrating the friction member into the oscillating rod mechanism. This combination achieves damping effect without adding separate complex damping components, as the friction member works in conjunction with the existing oscillating rod and guide pin to provide vibration reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillating rod is designed to dynamically oscillate within the guide pin, allowing the friction member to engage and disengage as needed during elevator car movement. This dynamic mechanism provides adaptive damping that responds to vibration conditions without requiring complex control systems or multiple static components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 guide device effectively reduces elevator car vibrations by providing a damping mechanism that adjusts to the unevenness of guide rails, enhancing the stability and smooth operation of elevator systems.

Implementation Method 1

one or more friction members, mounted onto the oscillating rod and in frictional contact with the guide pin during the oscillation of the oscillating rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4566979A1Elevator system and guiding device therefor
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4566979A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4566979A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4566979A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an elevator system and a guiding device for use in an elevator system. The guide device for an elevator system comprises: a bracket; a plurality of rollers mounted onto the bracket; wherein, at least one of the plurality of rollers is mounted onto the bracket through a damping device, the damping device comprising: an oscillating rod, wherein a first end of the oscillating rod is rotatably mounted onto the bracket, a second end of the oscillating rod is provided with a first notch, and the roller is mounted onto the oscillating rod; a guide pin, wherein the guide pin is mounted onto the bracket and passes through the first notch of the oscillating rod; and one or more friction members, mounted onto the oscillating rod and in frictional contact with the guide pin during the oscillation of the oscillating rod. The guide device according to the embodiments of the present invention provides a damping device with a simple structure.