Magnetic Coupling Mechanism for Elevator Door Gap Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift systems face challenges in providing a space-saving and reliable design for door operation, with gaps between the cabin and shaft allowing objects to fall and requiring complex coupling mechanisms that are not adaptable to building subsidence or high tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism with an adjustable transverse coupling element and magnetic plates that can move between the cabin and shaft doors, reducing the gap and allowing for efficient and reliable door operation, and accommodating dimensional changes in older buildings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid coupling mechanism is used to connect cabin door and shaft door, then door operation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and adaptability to building subsidence decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism uses a movable coupling element that can adjust its position dynamically. The coupling element is guided by a guide rail and can move along it, allowing the mechanism to adapt to dimensional changes while maintaining reliable door operation. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism allows for parameter changes in the coupling position and orientation. The coupling element can be positioned at different locations along the guide rail, and the entire mechanism can be adjusted to accommodate building subsidence and dimensional changes. This parameter flexibility maintains reliability while reducing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed coupling position is used between cabin and shaft, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to building subsidence and dimensional changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates a movable coupling element that can adjust its position along a guide rail. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to maintain precise coupling when needed while adapting to building subsidence and dimensional changes over time, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separable components including the coupling element, guide rail, and adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing of individual parts while enabling overall adjustment and adaptation to dimensional changes in the building structure.
3Reliability
If a complex coupling mechanism is used to ensure reliable door operation, then door operation reliability is improved, but the gap between cabin and shaft cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is extracted from the door leaves themselves and positioned in the gap region between cabin and shaft. By taking out the coupling elements and placing them in the available space, the mechanism achieves reliable door operation while minimizing the required gap distance from 30mm to 10mm.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism utilizes the gap dimension between cabin and shaft as a functional space rather than treating it as wasted space. The guide rail and coupling elements are arranged to fit within this gap, transforming the dimensional constraint into a design advantage that enables both small gap and reliable operation.
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
The solution reduces the gap between the cabin and shaft doors from 30 mm to 10 mm, enhancing safety and appearance, while ensuring reliable door operation and adaptability to building changes, and is suitable for upgrading existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustable coupling element of the coupling mechanism and the counter-element of the plate unit are made in the form of magnetic plates by means of which a sufficient adhesive force can be generated in the coupled position
Data Source
AI summary
Device for a lift system for actuating at least one cabin or shaft door is provided with a coupling mechanism which can be fastened to a moveable cabin door of a cabin. In addition, a plate unit co-operating with the coupling mechanism is provided which can be fixed onto a shaft door on the respective story. The coupling mechanism has a coupling element that can be adjusted transversely to the latter or to the cabin door and can be moved from a drawn back position into a position coupled with a counter-element of the plate unit. This adjustable coupling element and the counter-element of the plate unit are advantageously each magnetic, by means of which sufficient adhesive force can be generated in the coupled position. This device enables proper functioning during operation of a lift system, even if there are breakdowns.