Elevator Suspension Jacket With Rodent-Deterrent Additives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator suspension members made of compressible polymer jackets are susceptible to damage from rodent contact, leading to issues like fraying, cracking, or splitting.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a rodent deterrent additive, such as natural or chemical repellents, into the jacket material or printed on specific surfaces to deter rodents, thereby protecting the suspension members from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the jacket material is made of compressible polymer, then the suspension member achieves flexibility and comfort, but it becomes susceptible to rodent damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidresistance to rodent damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines compressible polymer material with rodent deterrent additives to create a composite jacket material that maintains the flexibility and comfort of the polymer while incorporating substances that repel rodents, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and resistance to rodent damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The rodent deterrent additive acts as an intermediary substance that modifies the jacket material's properties without compromising its fundamental flexibility, providing protection against rodents while maintaining the original functional characteristics of the compressible polymer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If rodent deterrent additive is distributed throughout the jacket, then protection coverage is maximized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rodent deterrent additive with the jacket material during the manufacturing process, combining two substances into a single integrated component. This approach maximizes protection coverage throughout the entire jacket while avoiding the need for separate application steps, thus reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The jacket material serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, flexibility, and rodent protection all in one component. By incorporating the deterrent additive throughout the material, the jacket achieves universal protection without requiring additional separate systems or complex multi-step manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4674799A1Elevator suspension member with rodent deterrent additive

Publication Date: 2026.01.07 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

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AI summary

A method and assembly includes at least one suspension member that supports an elevator car and facilitates movement of the elevator car within a hoistway and a jacket that encases the at least one suspension member. The jacket comprises a first type of material and a rodent deterrent additive is associated with the first type of material.