Insulating Clamping Elements for Elevator Tension Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator systems with belt-type suspension elements face electrical short-circuit issues between tension members due to pinching, which can lead to undetected damage and potential system failure, necessitating a solution to prevent electrical contact and ensure reliable testing.

Innovation Solution

The use of electrically insulating materials for the housing and clamping elements in suspension element fastening devices prevents electrical bridging between tension members, maintaining insulation even when the casing wears through, and allows for easy installation and retrofitting of existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic clamping elements and housing are used in conventional load-bearing device fastenings, then mechanical strength and clamping force are improved, but electrical short circuits between tension members occur due to electrical contact at clamping points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping forceVSAvoidelectrical isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrically insulating material as an intermediary between the metallic clamping element and the tension members. This intermediary layer prevents direct electrical contact while maintaining the mechanical clamping function, thus resolving the contradiction between needing strong metallic clamps and preventing electrical short circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining metallic clamping elements with electrically insulating materials (such as plastic coatings or composite structures). This creates a hybrid component that retains the mechanical strength of metal while gaining the electrical insulation properties of non-conductive materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If electrically insulating materials are used for housing and clamping elements, then electrical short circuits are prevented, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies electrically insulating properties locally only where electrical contact occurs (at clamping points and contact surfaces), rather than requiring the entire structure to be made of insulating materials. This localized approach maintains electrical isolation while minimizing the amount of expensive insulating material needed, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes relatively inexpensive insulating materials such as plastic coatings or simple insulating inserts that can be easily manufactured and applied. These cost-effective materials provide sufficient electrical isolation without requiring expensive specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If electrically insulating materials are used for housing and clamping elements, then electrical short circuits are prevented, but installation and retrofitting become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fastening system into separate functional components: metallic clamping elements for mechanical attachment and separate insulating elements (such as insulating inserts, coatings, or separate insulating components) for electrical isolation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier assembly and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the insulating components to serve multiple functions: providing electrical isolation, facilitating easy installation through standardized interfaces, and maintaining mechanical stability. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall installation process.

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

This solution effectively prevents electrical short circuits between tension members, enabling early detection of damage and ensuring the reliability of the suspension element, while being cost-effective and easy to implement, thus enhancing safety and maintenance efficiency in elevator systems.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping element and/or the housing is made of an electrically insulating material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3288886B1Lift system

Publication Date: 2020.11.25 INVENTIO AG

Figure 1
Figure 2~4

AI summary

An elevator installation has a car and a support means, wherein the car is at least partially supported by the support means. The support means comprises multiple electrically conductive tensile supports that are arranged parallel to one another and are essentially encased by a jacket. The support means is secured at support means securing devices, wherein the support means securing devices each comprise a housing and a clamping element. The housing and the clamping element each have clamping faces between which the support means is clamped. The clamping element and/or the housing is, in that context, made of an electrically insulating material.