Elevator Suspension Member Termination with Deformable Wedge End
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems with suspension members made from unidirectional carbon fibers in a rigid matrix face issues with termination methods, as they fracture when bent around a wedge and cannot be spread for potted arrangements, leading to slippage due to undertightening and significant space occupation.
Innovation Solution
A suspension member with fibers bonded into a polymer matrix, featuring a deformable end that can be shaped to fit a termination assembly, using thermoplastic layers that can be softened for bending and cured to secure the connection, allowing for a wedge-shaped cross-section formation without fracturing the tension members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wedge wrapping or potted termination methods are used, then termination is achieved, but the suspension member fractures when bent around a wedge or cannot be spread for potted arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing thermoplastic layers that can be softened through heat or solvent application. This temporary parameter change allows the rigid carbon fiber suspension member to be deformed into a wedge shape or curved configuration for proper termination assembly installation, after which the thermoplastic layers are recured to restore rigidity and maintain tension member integrity without fracture
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoplastic layers serve as an intermediary substance between the rigid carbon fiber tension members and the termination assembly. These layers temporarily change state to enable deformation and shaping, then restore to provide structural support, mediating between the conflicting requirements of rigidity for strength and flexibility for installation
2Ease of manufacture
If deformation methods are used to enable installation, then installation is achieved, but significant space is occupied and high clamping force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suspension member structure by adding discrete thermoplastic layers at the termination end. These layers can be independently softened and deformed without affecting the entire suspension member, enabling localized shaping that reduces space requirements and eliminates the need for high clamping forces while maintaining installation feasibility
3Reliability
If high clamping force is applied to retain the suspension member, then retention is achieved, but undertightening occurs resulting in slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoplastic layers undergo parameter changes through softening and recuring cycles. When softened, they allow the suspension member to be properly positioned and shaped without requiring high clamping force. When recured, they provide consistent structural support that maintains reliable retention without the risk of undertightening and slippage, improving both reliability and ease of 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
This solution enables secure and space-efficient termination of suspension members without fracturing, reducing slippage risks and ensuring reliable elevator operation by allowing deformation and shaping of the suspension member end for effective installation.
Implementation Method 1
the suspension member end is deformed by application of heat and/or solvent to the suspension member end
Implementation Method 2
the suspension member end is deformed by application of heat and/or solvent to the suspension member end
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension member for suspending and/or driving an elevator car of an elevator system includes a plurality of tension members extending along a length of the suspension member including a plurality of fibers extending along the length of the suspension member bonded into a polymer matrix. A jacket substantially retains the plurality of tension members. The suspension member is configured to be deformed at a suspension member end to allow for installation of the suspension member end into a termination assembly of the elevator system. A method of installing a suspension member of an elevator system into a termination assembly includes deforming a suspension member end and reforming it to a selected shape, inserting the suspension member end into the termination assembly and curing and/or hardening it, and applying a load thereto or to the socket or the wedge to secure the suspension member end in the termination assembly.