H Frame Double Deck Elevator with Linear Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in increasing capacity without significantly increasing building space or costs, particularly with double-deck elevators that require heavier cars, larger ropes, and more robust components, which escalate costs.
Innovation Solution
A double-deck elevator system utilizing an H-frame to support two elevator cabs with linear actuators, including threaded rods and followers, allowing adjustable spacing and movement, reducing the need for additional beams and counterweight, and using load-bearing roping with a counterweight and compensation roping for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If double deck elevator cars are used to increase capacity, then the number of cars per hoistway increases, but the weight of the cars and system components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The H-frame is divided into multiple vertically oriented beams rather than a single solid structure. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain structural integrity while reducing overall weight, resolving the contradiction between supporting multiple cabs and minimizing car weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuators enable dynamic adjustment of the spacing between upper and lower cabs along the vertically oriented beams. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to optimize weight distribution and structural loading, maintaining capacity while reducing unnecessary weight from oversized static structures.
2Strength
If heavier cars and larger components are used in double deck elevators, then the load bearing capacity increases, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The H-frame is segmented into multiple vertical beams that can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity compared to a single large-load-bearing structure. This segmentation maintains load bearing capacity while lowering system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Linear actuators replace traditional heavy mechanical lifting mechanisms. These actuators provide precise control and load management with lighter components, reducing the overall system cost while maintaining adequate load bearing capacity for double deck operation.
3Productivity
If more than one elevator car is placed in each hoistway, then the number of cars increases without increasing hoistways, but adequate spacing between cars becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuators enable dynamic adjustment of the vertical spacing between upper and lower cabs along the H-frame beams. This dynamic positioning system allows operators to optimize cab spacing based on load conditions and operational requirements, maintaining adequate clearance while maximizing the number of cars per hoistway.
Solution Approach 2:
The H-frame structure with linear actuators serves multiple functions: structural support, positioning, and spacing control. This multi-functional design enables the system to maintain multiple cabs in a single hoistway while automatically managing spacing requirements, improving 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 configuration achieves cost and weight savings by allowing wider range movement of elevator cabs, reducing the overall weight and complexity of the system, while maintaining efficient operation and capacity without the need for additional structural elements.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one linear actuator includes a plurality of threaded rods and a plurality of followers. The threaded rods are respectively situated near opposite sides of the elevator cabs. The threaded rods are coupled to the H frame and the threaded rods guide movement of the elevator cabs relative to the H frame.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a first elevator cab and a second elevator cab. An H frame supports the first elevator cab and the second elevator cab. The H frame has a plurality of vertically oriented beams and at least one horizontally oriented beam extending between the vertically oriented beams. The at least one horizontally oriented beam is spaced from ends of the vertically oriented beams and the H frame does not have any horizontally oriented beam at either end of the vertically oriented beams. At least one linear actuator is coupled with the first elevator cab and the second elevator cab. The linear actuator is configured to selectively cause movement of the elevator cabs relative to the H frame.