Integrated Elevator Guide Rail Support Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current elevator systems require separate installation of junction fishplates and wall brackets, which is time-consuming and difficult, and restricts reductions in elevator shaft dimensions due to minimum structural support dimensions and interference issues during installation.

Innovation Solution

A guide rail support assembly that integrates both junction fishplate and wall mounting functions into a single unitary structure, featuring a junction element with rail cavities and a mounting element that can be adjusted and fixed to the wall, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing installation complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate junction fishplates and wall brackets are used to join and mount rail sections, then the structural support and connection reliability are ensured, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex, and the elevator shaft dimensions cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the junction fishplate and wall bracket into a single integrated support assembly. This unified structure performs both the joining function (connecting rail sections) and the mounting function (attaching to the wall) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing installation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated support assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a junction element for connecting rail sections and a mounting element for wall attachment. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining structural integrity and support reliability.

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

2Strength

If separate junction fishplates and wall brackets are installed, then adequate structural support is provided, but the volume occupied by guide rail components increases and interferes with shaft space reduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidspace occupied by guide rail components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the junction fishplate and wall bracket into one integrated assembly, the total volume occupied by guide rail components is reduced. The combined structure eliminates the space that would otherwise be required for separate components and their associated fasteners, enabling more compact elevator shaft design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components (junction fishplate, wall bracket, fasteners) are used, then reliable connection and mounting are achieved, but the installation difficulty and time increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of junction and mounting functions into a single support assembly reduces the number of installation steps. Instead of separately installing a junction fishplate, then a wall bracket, and multiple fasteners, the integrated assembly can be installed as one unit, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated support assembly is pre-configured with all necessary connection elements and structural features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that during installation, the assembly is ready to perform both joining and mounting functions immediately, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If separate junction and mounting components are used, then proper structural support dimensions are maintained, but the installation process becomes difficult and restrictive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated support assembly combines structural support functions in a unified design that maintains adequate structural dimensions while simplifying the installation process. The single-assembly approach eliminates the coordination and alignment difficulties associated with installing multiple separate components, making the installation easier and less restrictive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11292694B2Elevator guide rail support assemblies
Publication Date: 2022.04.05 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • US11292694B2 patent drawing
  • US11292694B2 patent drawing
  • US11292694B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Guide rail support assemblies for elevator systems are provided. The guide rail support assemblies include a junction element comprising a backing plate, a first extension, and a second extension, the junction element defining a rail cavity, wherein the rail cavity is configured to receive two rail sections, wherein the junction element is configured to join a first rail section to a second rail section and a mounting element configured to attach to a wall of an elevator shaft, wherein the mounting element is connected to the junction element.