Grounded Rope Terminal for Coated Elevator Suspension Ropes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coated elevator suspension ropes experience bundling issues due to static electricity, leading to reduced clearances, increased risk of damage, and inefficiencies in rope alignment and friction with traction sheaves.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a rope terminal with integrated grounding members that establish an electrically conductive connection between the rope terminal and the core of the coated rope, effectively grounding the ropes without additional components or installation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If coated ropes are used to reduce steel-to-steel contact and enable higher tension cords, then friction level increases and moving mass reduces, but static electricity accumulates causing rope bundling and alignment issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension cord strengthVSAvoidstatic electricity accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A grounding member is introduced as an intermediary element between the coated rope and the rope terminal. This grounding member penetrates the insulating coating to establish electrical contact with the rope core, serving as a mediator that conducts static electricity away without compromising the coating's protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful static electricity is extracted from the rope system by providing a dedicated grounding path. The grounding member removes accumulated charge from the rope core, separating the electrical grounding function from the mechanical suspension function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If insulating coating is applied to ropes, then direct steel-to-steel contact is prevented and friction increases, but electrical grounding is lost causing static electricity problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteel-to-steel contact preventionVSAvoidelectrical grounding reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rope terminal is segmented into distinct functional zones: an external insulating portion that maintains electrical isolation, and an internal grounding member that penetrates to establish contact with the rope core. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of insulation and grounding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the rope terminal have different electrical properties. The external surface maintains insulation to prevent steel-to-steel contact, while the internal grounding member provides localized electrical contact with the rope core to dissipate static electricity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If grounding members are integrated into rope terminal, then static electricity is eliminated and rope alignment improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverope alignment reliabilityVSAvoidrope terminal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding function is merged with the existing rope terminal structure. The grounding member is integrated into the rope terminal body, combining mechanical fastening and electrical grounding functions into a single component rather than adding separate grounding devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rope terminal is designed with multi-functionality: it provides mechanical support, maintains electrical insulation externally, and provides electrical grounding internally through the grounding member. This universal design eliminates the need for separate grounding components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Proper grounding eliminates static electricity, reduces rope contamination, extends the service life of the rope coating, and enhances frictional contact with traction sheaves, leading to improved efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one grounding member (26) configured to create an electrical connection between the body (21) and the core (41) of the rope (4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The at least one first grounding member (26) comprises an electrically conductive sharp or perforating command (27) configured to create an electrical connection between the body (21) and the core (41) of the rope (4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical penetration:

Data Source

PatentUS20250178867A1Rope terminal, elevator and method for installing elevator suspension rope

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 KONE OYJ

AI summary

A rope terminal for supporting an elevator suspension rope comprises a body of electrically conductive material, comprising a wedge house; a connecting rod of electrically conductive material, fixed to the body for connecting mechanically the rope terminal to a rope terminal fixing in a machine room or in a shaft; a wedge configured to be inserted in the wedge house when the rope is wound around the wedge. The rope terminal comprises at least one grounding member configured to create an electrically conductive connection between the body of the rope terminal and an electrically conductive core of the rope having an electrically insulating coating. An elevator and a method for installing an elevator suspension rope having an electrically insulating coating.