Guide Rail Bracket Assembly Integrating Fishplate Function

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current elevator systems require multiple components and complex installations for guide rail assembly, which increases costs and complexity, especially in mid- and high-rise buildings.

Innovation Solution

A guide rail bracket assembly that integrates interface brackets with a connecting plate function, allowing for direct attachment of guide rails and reducing the need for separate fishplates, thereby simplifying the installation process and reducing the number of components required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate components (guide rail brackets, interface brackets, and fishplates) are used to connect guide rails, then the structural integrity and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the guide rail bracket and fishplate into a single integrated component. The interface bracket includes both the horizontal connection function (guide rail bracket) and vertical connection function (fishplate), eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining structural integrity through unified design and single-bolt assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface bracket is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a guide rail bracket for horizontal connection and a fishplate for vertical connection. This multi-functional component can connect guide rails in different orientations (horizontal and vertical) using the same structural element, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for guide rail installation, then the adaptability and versatility of the connection system are improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the guide rail bracket and fishplate into one integrated interface bracket, the patent simplifies manufacturing processes (single component production) and installation procedures (single-bolt connection) while preserving connection flexibility through the bracket's ability to accommodate both horizontal and vertical guide rail connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components (guide rail brackets and fishplates) are used, then the reliability of guide rail connection is improved, but the loss of time and cost for installation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated interface bracket eliminates the need for sequential installation of separate guide rail brackets and fishplates. A single component performs both connection functions, reducing installation time and labor costs while maintaining connection reliability through unified structural design and single-bolt fastening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3782945B1Guide rail bracket assembly
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3782945B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3782945B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3782945B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A guide rail bracket assembly, for connecting a car guide rail (104) to a pair of left and right counterweight guide rails (106,108) in an elevator system, comprises a guide rail bracket (102) for horizontally connecting the car guide rail (104) to the pair of left and right counterweight guide rails (106, 108). The guide rail bracket (102) comprises a first end portion for attachment to the left counterweight guide rail (106), a second end portion for attachment to the right counterweight guide rail (108), and an intermediate portion for attachment to the car guide rail (104). The guide rail bracket assembly further comprises a first interface bracket (110a) for attaching the first end portion to the left counterweight guide rail (106), a second interface bracket (110b) for attaching the second end portion to the right counterweight guide rail (108), and a third interface bracket (114) for attaching the intermediate portion to the car guide rail (104). At least one of the first, second and third interface brackets (110a, 110b, 114) forms a connecting plate for vertically connecting together adjacent guide rails (104, 106, 108).