Elevator Rope Terminal with Segmented Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator rope terminals face a conflict between minimizing vertical height and maximizing rope lifetime, as existing designs result in increased wear due to dynamic bending and straightening of ropes over rollers with small diameters, which is exacerbated by the need for a rope diameter to roller diameter ratio of less than 1:40.
Innovation Solution
The elevator rope terminal features a deflection element with a circumferential area divided into first and second curved contact areas and a curved deflection area, where the majority of rope deflection occurs, shifting bending stress to a static area with a smaller radius, and a pivot axis positioned to reduce vertical height, allowing for a rectangular profile that minimizes dynamic stress and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a roller with a small diameter is used as a deflection element to reduce vertical height, then the vertical height of the rope terminal is reduced, but the rope undergoes increased wear due to dynamic straightening and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential area of the deflection element is segmented into three distinct zones: first curved contact area, curved deflection area, and second curved contact area. Each zone has a specific function - the contact areas have larger radii to minimize bending while the deflection area handles the necessary rope direction change, thereby reducing overall rope wear
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the circumferential area are given different radii of curvature tailored to their specific functions. The contact areas have larger radii to minimize rope bending and wear, while the deflection area has a smaller radius to achieve the required deflection angle, optimizing both rope lifetime and vertical height
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rope runs dynamically on a pivoted roller within the maximum stroke of the spring means, then the rope can accommodate elevator operations, but increased wear occurs in the contact area where the rope meets the circumferential groove
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential area is divided into functional zones with the contact areas having larger radii specifically designed to minimize rope bending during dynamic operation, while the deflection area handles the necessary direction change
Solution Approach 2:
The contact areas are designed with larger radii of curvature to reduce the bending stress on the rope during dynamic operation. The curved surfaces guide the rope smoothly through the contact zones, minimizing wear while maintaining the necessary adaptability for elevator operations
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
This design reduces rope wear and maintains a low vertical height by minimizing dynamic bending in contact areas and shifting essential deflection to a static area, while adhering to European regulations on rope construction and safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
the rope end is flexibly supported by a spring means so that in high load situations of the rope, e.g. in case of an emergency stop of the elevator car, the tension peaks are lowered by the elastic support based on the stroke of the spring means
Implementation Method 2
the elevator rope runs dynamically on said pivoted roller within the maximum stroke of the spring means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention refers to an elevator Elevator rope terminal (32) for an elevator rope (20) comprising a rope fitting (23, 24, 26, 28, 30) for the fixing of the rope end to an elevator component (10), which rope fitting comprises a spring means (30) for elastically fixing the rope end (22) to the elevator component, the rope terminal further comprises a deflection element (34) for deflecting the rope from a first direction before being received by the rope terminal to a second direction in which the rope end is fixed to the elevator component, which deflection element has a circumferential area (ca1, da, ca2) for receiving the rope and is pivotably supported via a pivot axis (16) at the elevator component, characterized in that the circumferential area has - a first curved contact area (ca1) for receiving the rope, which first contact area is defined by all contact points of the rope with the contact area within the maximum stroke of the spring means, - a second curved contact area (ca2) for the rope portion connected to the rope fitting, which second contact area is defined by all contact points of the rope with the contact area within the maximum stroke of the spring means, - a curved deflection area (da) between the first and second curved contact areas, whereby the third radius (r3) of the curvature of the curved deflection area (da) is smaller than the first and second radius (r1, r2) of the curvature of the first and second curved contact areas (ca1, ca2). With the invention a rope terminal with a low height is provided which does not affect the rope lifetime.