Lateral-Layer Elevator Belt Structure for Lateral Force Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator belts with continuous carbon fiber and thermoset resin matrix face challenges in lateral strength, composite adhesion, and fire resistance, despite providing strength-to-weight advantages over steel cord belts.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a lateral layer of fibrous fabric with fibers oriented non-parallel to the load bearing member length, enhancing lateral strength, adhesion, and fire resistance, while using materials like glass fiber or Kevlar for improved performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a load bearing member includes only load carrying fibers and matrix material without lateral layers, then the structure is simpler and manufacturing is easier, but the member lacks resistance to lateral forces and has reduced reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to lateral forcesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load bearing member combines multiple materials with different properties: load carrying fibers for tensile strength, matrix material for structural continuity, and lateral layers (woven or non-woven fabric) for lateral force resistance. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials that collectively provide both simplicity of construction and high reliability against lateral forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the load bearing member have different structural characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The core contains load carrying fibers arranged parallel to the length for primary load bearing, while lateral layers are positioned at specific locations to provide lateral force resistance where needed, rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If tension members are arranged closely together to increase load capacity, then the lifting capacity increases, but access for stitching or braiding becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capacityVSAvoidaccess for stitching or braiding
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral layers act as an intermediary element between the closely spaced tension members. These layers provide a working surface that facilitates stitching or braiding operations while maintaining the close spacing of tension members for high load capacity. The lateral layers mediate between the conflicting requirements of high strength and ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the load bearing member uses only essential components without lateral layers or jackets, then manufacturing cost is lower, but protection against environmental factors and damage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against environmental factorsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load bearing member employs a nested structure where lateral layers are wrapped around the core tension members, and an optional jacket material encases the entire assembly. This nesting provides multiple levels of protection against environmental factors and damage while maintaining a compact, integrated structure that doesn't significantly increase overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4249417B1Load bearing member including lateral layer
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4249417B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4249417B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4249417B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A load bearing member (30) for a lifting and/or hoisting system includes a plurality of tension members (32) arranged along a width of the load bearing member. Each tension member (32) includes a plurality of load carrying fibers (34) arranged to extend in a direction parallel to a length of the load bearing member (30) and a matrix material (36) in which the plurality of load carrying fibers (34) are arranged. The load bearing member (30) further includes a lateral layer (42a, 42b) and a jacket material (50) at least partially encapsulating the plurality of tension members. The lateral layer (42a, 42b) is wrapped around one or more tension members (32) of the plurality of tension members (32).