Elevator Seismic Retainer Non-Contact Guide Rail Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elevator systems face high costs due to large guide rail sizes required for seismic performance, especially in high-rise and double-deck configurations, which increase rail and car frame loading during seismic events.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of seismic retainers with a non-contact relationship with guide rails during normal operation, configured to react guide rail loads during seismic events, allowing for reduced guide rail sizes and quantity of rail brackets, thereby distributing loads across multiple retainers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current configurations are used to meet seismic requirements, then seismic performance standards are satisfied, but guide rail sizes must be large resulting in increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic retainer is divided into multiple segments or components including a body portion, a rail contact portion, and a car frame portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while collectively providing the required seismic performance without requiring oversized guide rails
Solution Approach 2:
The seismic retainer acts as an intermediary component between the guide rail and the car frame. It provides seismic load path integration by transferring seismic loads from the guide rail through the retainer to the car frame, eliminating the need for enlarged guide rails while maintaining seismic performance
2Reliability
If large guide rail sizes are used to meet seismic performance requirements, then seismic safety is ensured, but cost of the elevator system greatly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic retainer is designed as a relatively simple, replaceable component that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to oversized guide rails. It provides the necessary seismic protection function without requiring expensive, large-scale structural modifications to the guide rail system
Solution Approach 2:
The seismic retention function is extracted from the guide rail system and implemented through separate, dedicated seismic retainers. This allows the guide rails to be optimized for their primary function while the seismic retainers handle seismic loads independently, reducing overall system cost
3Ease of manufacture
If seismic retainers are configured for non-contact relationship with guide rail during normal operation, then friction and wear are reduced, but seismic load reaction capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic retainer is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between non-contact during normal operation and contact during seismic events. The retainer's positioning and geometric design enable it to engage the guide rail only when seismic loads are present, providing load reaction capability without normal operational friction
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer slot width is specifically designed to be greater than the guide rail blade width, creating a localized gap that prevents contact during normal operation. This local geometric feature allows the system to maintain non-contact conditions while still providing seismic load reaction when needed
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator car of an elevator system includes a car body, and a car frame supportive of the car body. The car frame includes two or more opposing upright assemblies, a crosshead assembly located above the car body, and a plank assembly located below the car body. A plurality of seismic retainers are located at each of the upright assemblies. The plurality of seismic retainers are configured for a non-contact relationship with a guide rail of the elevator system during normal operation of the elevator system, and configured to react guide rail loads during a sway event via contact with the guide rail.