Magnetic Alignment Gauge for Elevator Guide Rails

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a gauge that can be conveniently and precisely aligned with elevator guide rails while offering cost savings in production without compromising functionality, as existing gauges require careful alignment and additional clamping for fixation.

Innovation Solution

A jig with an L-shaped base body featuring marks for rope interaction, magnetic elements for temporary fixation, and a guide shoe for precise alignment, allowing for quick rough alignment and sensitive adjustment without additional clamping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional gauges are used for aligning elevator guide rails, then alignment precision can be achieved, but additional clamping operations are required and manufacturing costs are higher

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical clamping system with a magnetic field-based fixation system. Magnetic elements (such as magnets or magnetizable components) are integrated into the gauge to provide temporary holding force during alignment operations, eliminating the need for additional clamping screws or mechanical fasteners. This substitution reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gauge is designed with self-aligning and self-holding characteristics through the integration of magnetic elements that automatically attract to the guide rail or accompanying magnetic components. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual clamping operations and reduces the number of separate parts required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If additional clamping screws are used to secure the gauge, then fixation reliability is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the clamping screws and associated mechanical fastening components from the gauge system. The magnetic elements provide the necessary fixation function without requiring these additional components, thereby simplifying the device structure and reducing the number of parts while maintaining reliable fixation during alignment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic elements serve multiple functions: they provide temporary holding force during alignment, enable sensitive adjustment without permanent fixation, and eliminate the need for separate clamping mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining fixation reliability.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If the gauge is firmly clamped to the guide rail, then stability is improved, but ease of adjustment during alignment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegauge stabilityVSAvoidadjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic fixation system using magnetic elements that provide variable holding force. The magnetic force is sufficient to maintain gauge stability during most operations but can be easily overcome by manual adjustment forces, allowing the gauge to be repositioned sensitively during alignment. This dynamic characteristic enables both stability and ease of adjustment without requiring separate clamping and loosening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient and precise alignment of elevator guide rails with reduced production costs, as the jig can be pre-assembled and aligned magnetically, freeing the fitter's hands for precise adjustments before final clamping.

Implementation Method 1

one of the extensions is provided with at least one magnetic element that is strong enough to secure the teaching to the guide rail at least for the duration of its alignment, without the need for additional clamping

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4134345A1Simplified gauge for the alignment of elevator guide rails
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 WITTUR HLDG GMBH
  • EP4134345A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4134345A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4134345A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A teaching (1) for aligning elevator guide rails (7) with an L-shaped base body (2), the first leg (3) of which has a first mark (9), ideally in the form of a first notch, for interaction with a rope (18) that marks a vertical line running through the elevator shaft, and the second leg (4) of which preferably has at least a second mark (10), ideally in the form of a second notch, for interaction with a rope (18) that marks a horizontal line running through the elevator shaft, wherein the first leg (3) has two extensions (5, 6) that can receive the running surface (8) of the guide rail (7) between them, which holds the teaching (1) in its working position, characterized in that one of the extensions (5; 6) is provided with at least one magnetic element (13) that is strong enough to fix the teaching (1) on the guide rail (7) for the duration of its alignment without additional clamping.