Modular Elevator Guide Rail for Reduced Hoistway Space

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator guide rails are difficult to adapt for reduced space elevator systems without compromising structural integrity, and current manufacturing methods are time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A guide rail system comprising a pair of separate rail piece parts made from sheet material, bent to form predetermined shapes, and fixed together to create a base section and a blade section with a guide surface, allowing for adjustable mounting and reduced interference with hoistway components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If guide rails are made from solid steel in standard lengths, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability to reduced space elevator systems is poor and modification is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to reduced space elevator systemsVSAvoidmodification time and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each section can be customized for different space requirements, allowing easy adaptation to reduced space elevator systems without modifying the entire rail structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rail incorporates adjustable mounting bases with variable positioning capabilities. The base section includes adjustable feet and mounting brackets that can be repositioned along the rail length, enabling dynamic adaptation to different hoistway configurations and space constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the base of the guide rail is altered to prevent interference with hoistway components, then adaptability to reduced spaces improves, but structural integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of base mountingVSAvoidstructural integrity of the rail

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail is segmented into a base section and a rail section, allowing independent optimization of each part. The base section can be adjusted for mounting position without affecting the structural integrity of the rail section, which maintains its full strength for load-bearing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base section is pre-designed with multiple mounting positions and adjustment mechanisms built-in during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration allows the base to be adapted to different mounting locations without requiring field modifications that would compromise the rail's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If refuge spaces at the top and bottom of the hoistway are reduced to fit elevator systems in smaller spaces, then space utilization improves, but interference with guide rail components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehoistway spaceVSAvoidinterference with guide rail

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail system incorporates adjustable mounting bases that can be repositioned vertically along the rail. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the rail to be configured to avoid interference with reduced refuge spaces while maintaining full guidance function, enabling compact hoistway design without sacrificing safety clearances.

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

The guide rail system enables timely and cost-effective adaptation to reduced space elevator systems while maintaining structural integrity, allowing for smooth movement of elevator components and reduced interference with other hoistway components.

Implementation Method 1

a first rail piece part being formed from a first thickness of sheet material bent to have a cross-section of a first predetermined shape, and the second rail piece part being formed from a second thickness of sheet material bent to have a cross-section of a second predetermined shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first rail piece part and the second rail piece part are fixed together such that the first predetermined shape and the second predetermined shape together form the base section and the blade section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS12240734B2Elevator guide rail

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

A guide rail for an elevator system has an elongate length with a cross-section perpendicular to the length; the cross-section including a base section for mounting to a wall of a hoistway, and a blade section extending from the base section; the blade section including a guide surface for interacting with a guide element of a component movable in the elevator hoistway; the guide rail including: a pair of separate rail piece parts fixed together to form the guide rail; the pair of separate rail piece parts including a first rail piece part and a second rail piece part; the first rail piece part being formed from a first thickness of sheet material bent to have a cross-section of a first predetermined shape, and the second rail piece part being formed from a second thickness of sheet material bent to have a cross-section of a second predetermined shape.