Elevator Door Seal Link Mechanism for Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in sealing the gap between the landing-side and car-side door sills, which can lead to the loss of small items and increased complexity and cost due to the use of expensive actuators and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A link mechanism is used to mechanically operate the seal member in synchronization with the door open/close operation, eliminating the need for expensive actuators and providing a reliable, low-cost sealing solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an expensive actuator such as an electric motor is used to operate the seal member, then the seal member can be reliably operated, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member operates automatically by utilizing the door opening/closing motion itself as the driving force. The link mechanism converts the door's linear motion into the seal member's linear motion without requiring external power sources or control systems, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive electric actuators with a purely mechanical link mechanism. This mechanical system uses levers and connecting rods to transmit and convert motion, substituting electromechanical systems with simpler mechanical components that achieve the same functional result.
2Reliability
If a sensor or control circuit is added to operate the actuator at predetermined timing, then the seal member operation timing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is pre-configured with fixed geometric relationships between its components. The lever arms and connecting rods are designed with specific lengths and pivot points that automatically ensure the seal member operates at the correct timing relative to door motion, eliminating the need for sensors or control circuits to determine timing.
3Device complexity
If a link mechanism is used to mechanically operate the seal member, then the cost and complexity are reduced, but the sealing effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is designed to move dynamically with the door opening and closing. The link mechanism ensures the seal member follows the same motion trajectory as the door, maintaining continuous contact with the door sill throughout the motion range. This dynamic adjustment ensures effective sealing at all door positions without requiring complex control.
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 link mechanism effectively seals the gap between the door sills, preventing item loss and reducing system complexity and cost, while ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the seal member is connected to an actuation spring that receives a movement force to the sealing position
Implementation Method 2
a link mechanism connected to the seal member to be engaged with an actuating member of the car door side in synchronization with an open/close operation of the car door in order to drive the seal member in a sliding direction by converting a force received from the actuating member by the engagement with the actuating member into the sliding direction of the seal member
Data Source
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AI summary
A seal member (35) for sealing a gap between a car-side door sill (31) and a landing-side door sill is slidable between a sealing position and a retracted position and is driven by a link mechanism (41). The seal member (35) is connected to an actuation spring that receives a movement force toward the sealing position. The link mechanism (41) releases engagement with the actuating member (72) in synchronization with a start of a door open operation of the car door (25) to permit sliding toward the sealing position caused by the actuation spring. The link mechanism (41) is engaged with the actuating member (72) of the car door side in synchronization with movement of the car door (25) toward a door close end to move the seal member (35) to the retracted position resisting to the actuation spring.