Elevator Rope Anchor With Spring-Loaded Wedge Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rope anchors for elevators are difficult to design for reliable grip and ease of use during rope supply, particularly in construction environments where the elevator hoistway is being extended.

Innovation Solution

A rope anchor with a wedge housing and wedge members, actuated by a releasing mechanism, that allows for easy installation and reliable anchoring of ropes, featuring a tapering nest, spring members for urging wedge members, and a turnable actuation mechanism for quick operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clamp structure is used for anchoring the rope, then the rope can be anchored, but the grip reliability is difficult to ensure and the operation is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip reliabilityVSAvoidease of use in rope supply
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor device is divided into separate functional components: a housing containing the anchoring mechanism, a rope guide, and a spring-loaded wedge system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall reliability while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded wedge members automatically engage with the rope when tension is applied, creating a self-anchoring mechanism. The spring force ensures continuous contact and grip without requiring manual adjustment or complex operation, thereby improving both reliability and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the hoisting machine is hoisted higher in the elevator hoistway, then additional floors can be served, but additional rope must be supplied through the anchor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to serve additional floorsVSAvoidcomplexity of rope supply mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor device incorporates movable wedge members that can dynamically adjust their position along the rope. This dynamic mechanism allows the anchor to maintain grip while accommodating the continuous supply of additional rope during hoistway extension, enabling adaptability without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring members provide variable forcing force that can adapt to different rope tensions and lengths. As additional rope is supplied during construction, the spring force automatically adjusts to maintain reliable anchoring, allowing the system to handle varying parameters without complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates quick and reliable anchoring and rope supply, enabling simultaneous construction of the elevator hoistway top part while the elevator serves lower floors, ensuring safety and ease of operation during rope extension.

Implementation Method 1

one or more spring members for urging and/or arranged to urge the one or more wedge member towards the narrow end of the tapering nest

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

one or more wedge members mounted in the tapering nest for being wedged against a rope passing through the tapering nest

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

one or more wedge members mounted in the tapering nest for being wedged against a rope passing through the tapering nest

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 4

one or more wedge members mounted in the tapering nest for being wedged against a rope

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP4263410B1Rope anchor, elevator arrangement and method for constructing an elevator
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 KONE OYJ
  • EP4263410B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4263410B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4263410B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a rope anchor (A;A') for anchoring one or more ropes (R) of an elevator, comprising at least a wedge housing (1) comprising a tapering nest (N) shaped to have a narrow end (E1) which is open towards a first direction, and a wide end (E2) which is open towards a second direction; and one or more wedge members (2,3) mounted in the tapering nest (N) for being wedged against a rope (R) passing through the tapering nest (N); and one or more spring members (4) for urging and/or arranged to urge the one or more wedge member (2,3) towards the narrow end (E1) of the tapering nest (N); and a releasing mechanism (M) actuatable to move the one or more wedge members (2,3) towards the wide end (E2) of the tapering nest (N). The invention also relates to an elevator arrangement (100) comprising said anchor (A;A'), as well as to a method implementing the arrangement.