Landing-Access Brake Circuit Panel for Machine Room-Less Elevators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing controlling circuitry in machine room-less elevator systems is complicated and requires technicians to climb onto the elevator car roof, which is cumbersome and dependent on the car's positioning.
Innovation Solution
A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) for brake relays and circuits is mounted through the door jamb, allowing access from the landing by extending the door to accommodate the PCBA, and enabling components to be accessed by a technician standing at the landing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If controlling circuitry is mounted in the hoistway-side of the door jamb, then it enables machine room-less elevator operation, but it requires technicians to climb onto the elevator car roof for access which is cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends the door jamb structure vertically to create a new access dimension. By mounting the controlling circuitry on an extended portion of the door jamb that is accessible from the landing, technicians can access components by opening the door at landing level rather than climbing to the car roof, effectively changing the access dimension from vertical elevation to horizontal door opening.
2Ease of repair
If controlling circuitry is accessible from the landing, then maintenance becomes simpler and more accessible, but it requires extending the door jamb and modifying the door structure
Solution Approach 1:
The door jamb is segmented into distinct functional portions: the original door jamb structure and an extended portion that houses the controlling circuitry. This segmentation allows the controlling circuitry to be mounted on a separate, extendable section that can be accessed independently through the door opening, reducing the complexity impact on the original door jamb structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended door jamb portion acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the gap between the landing level (where technicians stand) and the hoistway-side controlling circuitry. This intermediary extension allows safe and easy access to electrical components without requiring technicians to climb onto the moving elevator car.
3Ease of operation
If the door is extended to accommodate the PCBA, then components become accessible from the landing, but it increases the door and door jamb structure
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than increasing the horizontal width of the door jamb, the invention extends it vertically to create a new access dimension. This vertical extension allows the door to be opened to access components at landing level without significantly increasing the overall footprint or requiring major structural modifications to the building infrastructure.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A method of operating an elevator system is provided and includes opening a door of a door jamb at a landing of the elevator system to reveal an upper panel and a cover of a lower panel which are disposed in a cavity defined in the door jamb, unlocking and opening the cover, removing the lower panel from the cavity and accessing and controlling one or more electrical and/or electro-mechanical elevator components using the lower panel.