Magnetic Screw Propulsion for Elevator Lateral Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled elevator systems face challenges in efficiently transferring elevator cars laterally between hoistways, particularly in high-rise buildings where traditional rope-based systems are cumbersome and require multiple hoistways, necessitating innovative propulsion methods for efficient car movement.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic screw propulsion system with a stator and magnetic screw assembly, including permanent magnets arranged along helical paths and a backup mechanical screw assembly, enables lateral transfer by aligning magnets for repulsive forces and using a support mechanism to facilitate movement between hoistways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a magnetic screw propulsion system is used for lateral transfer, then the transfer efficiency and speed are improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for permanent magnets and stator sections
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is divided into distinct sections: service sections with wound poles for propulsion and transfer station sections with permanent magnets for lateral transfer. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall system efficiency while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic screw assembly serves dual purposes: it provides propulsion during normal elevator operation through interaction with service section poles, and enables lateral transfer during hoistway transitions through interaction with transfer station permanent magnets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate transfer mechanisms
2Force
If permanent magnets are arranged along helical paths in the magnetic screw, then the propulsion force and motion control are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnets are strategically positioned along helical paths at specific locations on the magnetic screw, creating localized magnetic fields that interact with corresponding stator sections. This localized magnet placement optimizes propulsion force generation while reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to uniform magnet distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The helical arrangement of permanent magnets on the magnetic screw creates a curved, three-dimensional magnetic field pattern that smoothly interacts with the stator poles. This helical geometry improves propulsion force continuity and control while the curved path distributes manufacturing tolerances more favorably than straight-line arrangements
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stator includes both service sections and transfer station sections, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is segmented into service sections with wound poles for vertical propulsion and transfer station sections with permanent magnets for lateral transfer. This segmentation enables the single stator structure to perform multiple functions, improving versatility while the modular nature manages complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The same magnetic screw assembly interacts with different stator sections for different functions: service sections for vertical movement and transfer station sections for lateral transfer. This universal interaction mechanism reduces the need for separate propulsion and transfer systems, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
4Reliability
If a backup mechanical screw assembly is included, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backup mechanical screw assembly is pre-positioned within the magnetic screw assembly structure, ready to engage if magnetic propulsion fails. This beforehand preparation ensures immediate backup capability, improving reliability while the integrated positioning minimizes additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The backup mechanical screw assembly serves as an intermediary propulsion mechanism that engages only when the primary magnetic propulsion system fails. This intermediary backup provides reliability without requiring the backup system to be actively integrated into normal operation, reducing overall system complexity
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 magnetic screw propulsion system effectively imparts motion to elevator cars, allowing efficient lateral transfer between hoistways, balancing rotational inertia and providing reliable backup propulsion, thus addressing the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic screw assembly coupled to the car, the magnetic screw assembly coacting with the stator to impart motion to the elevator car
Implementation Method 2
operating the magnetic screw assembly to align permanent magnets of the magnetic screw assembly with stator permanent magnets of the same polarity in a transfer station section of the stator
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes an elevator car for travel in a hoistway; a stator positioned along the hoistway; and a magnetic screw assembly coupled to the car, the magnetic screw assembly coacting with the stator to impart motion to the elevator car; the stator including a service section having a plurality of poles to coact with the magnetic screw assembly; the stator including a transfer station section, the transfer station section of the stator including a plurality of stator permanent magnets.