Elevator Traction Slack Detection with Triggering Arm Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in detecting slack conditions in traction members due to the need for complex and costly detector elements that require additional space and are slow to react to initial slack, potentially leading to unsafe operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A slack detection unit comprising a support bracket, triggering arm, and switching device mounted near the machine pulley, which detects slack conditions through the deflection of the triggering arm to actuate the switching device without direct interaction with the traction medium, allowing rapid detection of minimal slack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detector element is disposed at both ends of the hoisting ropes, then the slack condition can be detected, but it requires extra space for installation and repairment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detection function from the traditional detector element and relocates it to the machine pulley housing. This allows the slack detection function to be integrated into the existing structure, eliminating the need for separate detector elements at both ends of the hoisting ropes and reducing installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the slack detection function with the machine pulley housing by integrating the triggering arm mechanism directly into the housing structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate detector elements and reduces the overall space required for installation and maintenance.
2Reliability
If the detector element is connected to the ends of each hoisting rope, then the slack can be detected, but it can only detect high amount of slack after it gradually increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a triggering arm as an intermediary mechanism between the hoisting rope and the switching device. The triggering arm amplifies small deflections caused by minimal slack in the hoisting rope, enabling the switching device to detect even slight slack conditions that would be imperceptible with direct connection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering arm mechanism creates a periodic or threshold-based response to slack conditions. When the hoisting rope experiences any amount of slack, the triggering arm deflects and repeatedly actuates the switching device, ensuring that even minimal slack is detected and signaled immediately rather than waiting for gradual accumulation.
3Reliability
If a complex detector element with multiple components is used, then the slack condition can be detected, but the manufacturing cost and assembling cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential detection function from complex multi-component detector elements and implements it using a simple triggering arm mechanism integrated into the machine pulley housing. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components while retaining the core slack detection capability, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex detector elements with a simple, inexpensive triggering arm mechanism that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The simple mechanical design uses minimal materials and components, significantly reducing both manufacturing cost and assembly complexity while maintaining reliable slack detection functionality.
4Reliability
If the switching device is directly interacted with by the traction medium, then the slack can be detected, but the detection response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering arm serves as a sensitive intermediary that immediately responds to any deflection in the hoisting rope caused by slack conditions. This intermediary mechanism transfers the motion from the rope to the switching device rapidly, enabling faster detection response compared to direct interaction methods that would require larger, slower-moving 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
The solution enables proactive detection of slack conditions, ensuring rapid actuation of the switching device even at minimal slack, reducing the risk of unsafe operations and enhancing operational efficiency and safety by allowing automated resetting to a tensioned condition indication.
Implementation Method 1
The triggering arm is adapted to be deflected by the traction medium when the traction medium is in a slack condition
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The slack detection unit (112) for a traction medium (114) of an elevator installation (100) is disclosed in the present invention. The slack detection unit (112) comprises a support bracket (202) adapted to be positioned at a machine pulley (108) guiding the traction medium (114). Further, the slack detection unit (112) comprises a triggering arm (204) attached to the support bracket (202). Furthermore, the slack detection unit (112) comprises a switching device (206) attached to the support bracket (202). The triggering arm (204) is adapted to be deflected by the traction medium (114) when the traction medium (114) is in a slack condition. A deflection in the triggering arm (204) actuates the switching device (206) to indicate that the traction medium (114) is in the slack condition.