Elevator Sheave Grounding Assembly for Suspension Member Wear Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator suspension members' conductive components can become exposed through worn outer jackets, leading to increased wear and damage due to direct contact with sheaves, which is not effectively detected by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
An electrical grounding assembly that creates a ground path between sheaves and a grounded elevator frame, using a grounding member and monitoring system to detect exposure of conductive members through changes in resistance when they contact the sheave.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outer jacket of the suspension member is worn, then the conductive members become exposed and contact the sheave, but this increases wear on the conductive members and affects traction
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding assembly is installed in advance to detect exposure of conductive members before they cause significant wear or traction problems. The system monitors the condition continuously or periodically, allowing maintenance to be performed proactively rather than reactively after damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding assembly provides continuous feedback about the condition of the suspension members by detecting when conductive members become exposed through the outer jacket. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor wear conditions and trigger alerts or maintenance actions based on the detected state.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If existing detection technologies are used, then monitoring is provided, but they do not effectively detect exposure of conductive members
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces ineffective mechanical or visual detection methods with an electrical detection system. By utilizing the conductive properties of the exposed members and the grounding connection, the system uses electrical measurements to detect exposure, which is more reliable than previous mechanical sensors or manual inspection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system monitors changes in electrical parameters (such as resistance or conductivity) that occur when conductive members become exposed. By measuring these parameter changes through the grounding assembly, the system can reliably detect exposure conditions that were previously undetectable or difficult to measure.
3Reliability
If conductive members contact the sheave directly, then electrical contact is established, but this causes increased wear and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful direct contact between exposed conductive members and the sheave into a beneficial detection opportunity. By establishing a controlled grounding path, the system uses the electrical contact that would otherwise cause wear as a signal for monitoring and alerting, allowing maintenance before significant damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding assembly acts as an intermediary between the conductive members and the sheave. It provides a controlled path for electrical contact that enables detection while preventing the uncontrolled wear and damage that would occur from direct friction-based contact during normal operation.
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 system effectively monitors and alerts for exposed conductive members, preventing further wear and damage by establishing an electrical ground path and allowing for timely maintenance, thus enhancing the operational reliability and safety of elevator systems.
Implementation Method 1
The grounding member is electrically coupled to the at least one sheave such that contact with the at least one sheave forms an electrical ground path between the least one sheave through the grounding member and the bracket, and into the grounded elevator frame.
Implementation Method 2
The biasing member biases the first member in a direction towards the at least one sheave.
Implementation Method 3
The bracket includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled to the first member by a biasing member positioned between the first member and the second member.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein are directed to an electrical assembly for grounding an elevator assembly, the elevator assembly having an elevator cab, a grounded elevator frame, a sheave, and a suspension member having conductive members and a sleeve enclosing the conductive members. The suspension member extends around the sheave to support the elevator cab. The electrical assembly includes a bracket and a grounding member. The grounding member is electrically coupled to the sheave such that contact with the sheave forms an electrical ground path between the sheave through the grounding member and the bracket, and into the grounded elevator frame. When the sheave rotates the suspension member, any portion of the conductive members from the suspension member making contact with the sheave grounds the sheave to the grounded elevator frame via the electrical ground path.