Hoisting Plant Torque Splitting Mechanism for Energy Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hoisting plants, such as lifts and cup elevators, consume significant energy due to the electric motor's need to overcome the weight difference between the cab and counterweight, as well as passive resistance, leading to high energy absorption during operation.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical device with multiple rotating members and transmission means, configured to maintain equilibrium between the cab and counterweight, reducing the torque required from the motor to only counter passive resistance, thereby minimizing energy absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the electric motor delivers maximum power to overcome the weight difference between cab and counterweight, then the system can maintain equilibrium, but the energy absorption by the motor increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequilibrium between cab and counterweightVSAvoidenergy absorption by electric motor

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the motor's torque into two independent torque sources: one from the electric motor and another from a mechanical counterbalancing mechanism. This segmentation allows the motor to only provide torque for passive resistance while the mechanical system handles the weight difference, thereby reducing energy absorption while maintaining equilibrium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical mechanism (counterbalancing device) that mediates between the cab and counterweight. This intermediary system absorbs the torque required for weight balance, allowing the electric motor to operate with reduced torque requirements and thus lower energy consumption while maintaining system equilibrium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the motor provides torque to overcome passive resistance (friction and efficiency), then the system can move at constant speed, but the energy absorption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstant speed movementVSAvoidenergy absorption by electric motor

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the mechanical counterbalancing system automatically compensates for passive resistance forces. The system uses the weight difference between cab and counterweight to generate torque that offsets friction and efficiency losses, allowing the motor to operate at reduced power levels while maintaining constant speed movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If the motor operates during acceleration and deceleration phases, then the system can change speed, but the energy absorption increases due to inertia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacceleration and decelerationVSAvoidenergy absorption by electric motor

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a counterweight mechanism that actively opposes the inertial forces generated during acceleration and deceleration. By using the counterweight to provide opposing torque, the system reduces the motor's energy absorption during speed changes, as the mechanical counterbalancing system shares the burden of overcoming inertia.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

The device effectively reduces the energy absorbed by the electric motor during operation by balancing the weight difference between the cab and counterweight, minimizing the torque needed, and achieving energy savings in acceleration, constant speed, and deceleration phases.

Implementation Method 1

the first of these contributions is the one necessary to overcome the difference of weight existing between the cab (Ca+Q) and the counterweight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

first transmission means that develop a transmission ratio substantially equal to unity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2432725B1Device for saving energy during vertical motions wherein the resisting torque can be split into two torques opposing each other

Publication Date: 2013.09.04 JEZEK ELISABETTA

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a mechanical device (1) for reducing the energy absorbed by an electric motor (M) of a hoisting plant (2). The device according to the invention comprises at least one first rotating member (PA) moved by the motor of the hoisting plant. The device also comprises a second rotating member (PB) connected to the first rotating member through first transmission means (Tl). At least one third rotating member (PR) is connected to the second rotating member through second transmission means (C), which develop a transmission ratio equal to unity. The device further comprises a fourth rotating member (PM) operatively connected to the rotor of the electric motor. The fourth rotating member and the third rotating member are connected through third flexible - element - transmission means (T2), which develop a transmission ratio equal to unity. The transmission means of the device according to the present invention are designed to enable rotation of said fourth rotating member in a direction of rotation concordant with that of said first rotating member.