Modular Linear Motor Drive Modules for Elevator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems using linear motors face challenges in complex and costly assembly due to precise alignment and dynamic forces, requiring high manufacturing and assembly demands, which complicates the installation process, especially in high-rise buildings.
Innovation Solution
The elevator system employs prefabricated, independently manageable drive modules that can be stacked and connected on-site, integrating all necessary components for the linear motor, including primary parts, guidance, and power supply, allowing for modular assembly and adaptation to construction progress, with features like turnbuckles for secure connection and damping elements for vibration reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If linear motor primary parts are fixed to shaft walls and secondary parts to the car, then high-speed operation with high acceleration is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The linear motor system is segmented into modular drive modules, each comprising a support segment with primary parts and associated components. These modules can be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled, transforming a complex monolithic system into manageable units that simplify installation and maintenance while maintaining high-speed performance
Solution Approach 2:
Drive modules are pre-assembled and pre-tested in manufacturing facilities before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary assembly includes mounting primary parts on support segments, installing guidance mechanisms, and verifying electrical connections, thereby eliminating complex on-site assembly operations and reducing installation time
2Use of energy by moving object
If air gap between primary and secondary parts is minimized for high efficiency, then motor efficiency increases, but guidance precision and assembly accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into modular drive modules with standardized interfaces and integrated guidance mechanisms. Each module maintains precise internal alignment of primary and secondary parts during manufacturing, and the modular design ensures consistent air gaps across all modules through standardized support segment geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The support segments are designed with self-aligning features and integrated guidance elements that automatically maintain proper positioning of primary and secondary parts. The modular structure includes built-in mechanisms for maintaining consistent air gaps without requiring high-precision manual adjustment during installation
3Reliability
If complete elevator system is installed before building completion, then system reliability is ensured, but construction schedule flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator system is divided into self-contained drive modules that can be installed in stages as building construction progresses. Each module is independently functional and can be tested separately, allowing progressive installation without compromising overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Drive modules are pre-assembled and pre-tested in manufacturing facilities before delivery to the construction site. This allows modules to be ready for installation as soon as the building structure is prepared, enabling flexible scheduling that adapts to construction progress while ensuring system reliability through prior quality verification
4Loss of time
If modular drive modules are stacked and connected on-site, then assembly time is reduced, but connection and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into standardized drive modules with uniform dimensions and integrated connection interfaces. These modules are designed to be stacked vertically with simple mechanical connections that inherently provide alignment, eliminating the need for complex on-site alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Connection and alignment functions are merged into integrated coupling mechanisms between adjacent drive modules. The support segments include built-in alignment features and connection elements that simultaneously accomplish both positioning and joining operations in a single action, ensuring precise alignment while simplifying the assembly process
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
This modular approach simplifies and streamlines the assembly process, reduces assembly time, and allows for partial system operation during building construction, minimizing the need for on-site adjustments and reducing vibration transmission, thereby enhancing efficiency and quality.
Implementation Method 1
the linear motor has stationary primary parts that are fixed in the shaft and interact with a secondary part that is fixed to the elevator car
Implementation Method 2
damping elements for vibration reduction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator installation (10) with at least one car (16), which can be moved vertically upwards and downwards by means of a linear motor, wherein the linear motor has stationary primary parts (24) and a secondary part (56), which is fixed to the car. In order to develop the elevator installation such that it can be fitted in a simple manner, the invention proposes that said elevator installation has a large number of supporting segments (22) on which in each case at least one primary part (24) is held, wherein in each case one supporting segment (22), in combination with the at least one primary part (24) held thereon, forms a prefabricated drive module (20) which can be manipulated automatically, and wherein the drive modules (20) can be stacked one on top of the other and form a travel path, along which the at least one car (16) can be moved.