Elevator Rope Vibration Dampener Using Macro-Fiber Composite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems in multi-story buildings experience prolonged vibrations due to small attenuation factors in ropes, causing passenger discomfort and control difficulties, with existing vibration dampening devices failing to effectively address these issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of a macro-fiber composite (MFC) based tuned mass dampener attached to elevator ropes to convert vibrational energy into electrical energy, which is then used to power elevator car components, while maintaining independent rope tensioning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional vibration dampening devices are used on elevator ropes, then vibration attenuation is improved, but device complexity and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the damping function from complex mechanical devices and implements it through a simple magnet-rubber assembly. The magnet is attached to the rope while the rubber component provides passive damping, eliminating the need for complex active control systems or multiple moving parts while achieving effective vibration attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inexpensive magnet and rubber components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than investing in complex, expensive dampening systems. The simple construction allows for easy maintenance and replacement without requiring specialized service or complex disassembly procedures.
2Length of moving object
If rope length is increased to serve multi-story buildings, then elevator service capability is improved, but vibration duration increases due to small attenuation factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration principles by attaching a magnet-rubber assembly that creates localized vibration damping. The rubber component absorbs vibrational energy through hysteresis, converting mechanical vibration energy into heat, thereby reducing the duration of vibrations without requiring changes to the rope's fundamental properties or length.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration dampening is increased to improve passenger comfort, then ride quality is improved, but energy available for harvesting decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful vibrational energy into useful electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. The magnet-rubber assembly not only dampens vibrations by converting mechanical energy to heat but also generates electrical energy as the magnet moves relative to the coil, transforming what was previously wasted energy into a useful resource for powering elevator components.
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
Effectively dampens vibrations and generates electrical energy from kinetic energy, improving elevator control and ride quality by reducing vibration-induced discomfort and enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the apparatus described herein comprises a macro-fiber composite
Implementation Method 2
convert the kinetic energy from the vibrations to electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration dampening device is operable to dampen vibrations within ropes of an elevator car or other components to improve ride quality, and is further operable to harness or harvest and convert energy from those vibrations into electrical energy. The dampening device includes a macro-fiber composite and the vibrations are communicated or transmitted to the macro-fiber composite. The macro-fiber composite is operable to harness or harvest and convert energy from vibrations into electrical energy. Such electrical energy is communicated or transmitted to a control system of the elevator car for storage and/or use.