Elevator Pulley Rope Guard Coupling Without Bolts or Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulley assemblies for elevators require complex installation processes involving welding and bolting, which are time-consuming and cumbersome, and the manufacturing of rope guards is similarly intricate.
Innovation Solution
A pulley assembly design featuring a tab protruding from the rope guard that fits into a hole in the frame, allowing for a rigid coupling without the need for additional anchoring means, and a method where the tab is twisted to secure the connection, simplifying and speeding up the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bushings are welded to the rope guard and connected with bolts to the frame, then the rope guard is securely fixed, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bushing and tab into a single integrated element that protrudes from the rope guard. This merged structure eliminates the need for separate welding and bolting operations, as the tab directly engages with the frame through a simple insertion and twisting motion, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex welding and bolting operations from the installation process by replacing them with a simplified tab insertion mechanism. The tab is designed to be inserted into a hole in the frame and then twisted to lock in place, eliminating the need for welding bushings and screwing multiple bolts, thus reducing both time and complexity.
2Reliability
If bushings are welded to the rope guard and connected with bolts, then the rope guard is securely fixed, but the installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is pre-formed as an integral part of the rope guard structure during manufacturing, with the understanding that it will be inserted and twisted during installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site welding and complex assembly operations, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the time-consuming welding and bolting steps from the installation process by replacing them with a quick-insert tab mechanism. The tab is simply inserted into a pre-drilled hole and twisted to lock, eliminating the need for welding operations and multiple bolt installations, thereby dramatically reducing installation time.
3Strength
If the rope guard requires welding of bushings during manufacturing, then the connection is strong, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bushing and tab into a single integrated component that is formed as part of the rope guard structure during manufacturing. This eliminates the separate welding step for attaching bushings, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining connection strength through the direct tab-to-frame engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the welding operation from the manufacturing process by replacing it with a tab insertion design. The tab is formed integrally with the rope guard and then inserted into a hole in the frame, eliminating the need for welding bushings and reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving connection strength.
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 provides a safer, quicker, and more straightforward installation process by eliminating the need for bolts and welding, reducing complexity and time required for assembly while ensuring a secure connection between the rope guard and frame.
Implementation Method 1
the tab is twisted so that it abuts on the frame and cannot disengage the hole
Implementation Method 2
the first element and the second element are shaped so as to fit one inside the other or vice versa so that the rope guard and the frame are rigidly coupled
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Pulley assembly (1) for an elevator, comprising: a pulley (2) having a groove (3) in which a rope is destined to run over; a frame (6); a rope guard (4) mounted on the frame (6) so that it surrounds at least partially the pulley groove (3), the rope guard (4) comprising a first element (4a) and the frame (6) comprising a second element (6a), the first element (4a) and the second element (6a) being shaped so as to fit one inside the other or vice versa so that the rope guard (4) and the frame (6) are rigidly coupled.