Modular Stator Structure for Ropeless Elevator Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled elevator systems face challenges in high-rise buildings due to the prohibitive mass of ropes and the need for multiple elevator cars in a single hoistway, where traditional systems are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A stator structure comprising modular coil modules with stacked coil assemblies and phase coil units, powered by permanent magnets, which provide a motive force to the elevator car through a linear motor system, allowing for efficient motion control within the hoistway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional roped elevator systems are used in high-rise buildings, then the system can support multiple elevator cars, but the rope mass becomes prohibitive and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rope-based elevator system with a magnetic propulsion system using permanent magnets and coil modules. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy ropes and counterweights, directly resolving the contradiction by removing the prohibitive rope mass while maintaining the ability to support multiple elevator cars through electromagnetic force generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters of the elevator system by transitioning from gravitational force (ropes and counterweights) to electromagnetic force (permanent magnets and coils). This parameter change enables the system to achieve higher efficiency and reduced mass by operating on different physical principles, allowing multiple cars to be supported without the mass penalties of traditional rope systems.
2Ease of repair
If a non-modular stator structure is used, then the system may have simpler construction, but replacement of malfunctioning components requires complete system shutdown and complex disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is divided into multiple independent, modular coil modules that can be individually replaced. Each coil module is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing malfunctioning modules to be quickly swapped out without affecting the entire system. This segmentation directly improves ease of repair while the standardized modular design keeps the overall structural complexity manageable through repetition of identical units.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular coil modules are designed as universal, interchangeable components that can be used in any position within the stator assembly. This universality allows any malfunctioning module to be replaced with an identical standard module, simplifying repair procedures and inventory management. The standardized interfaces and dimensions ensure that a single module design can serve multiple functions throughout the system.
3Reliability
If rigid structural support is used in the stator, then the structure provides strong support, but it cannot accommodate building sway without risk of structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
The stator modules incorporate flexible mounting mechanisms and compliant interfaces that allow the rigid coil modules to accommodate building sway. The modular design with standardized mounting interfaces enables the structure to flex and move with building motion while maintaining structural integrity of the individual modules. This flexibility is achieved through the mounting system rather than the coil modules themselves, allowing the rigid electromagnetic components to remain protected while the overall structure adapts to environmental movements.
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 enables efficient and robust motion control of the elevator car, offering modular fabrication, thermal stability, and easy installation, while accommodating building sway without structural damage, and allowing for quick replacement of malfunctioning modules.
Implementation Method 1
a stator mounted in the hoistway, the stator coacting with the permanent magnets to control motion of the elevator car in the hoistway
Implementation Method 2
provide a motive force to the elevator car through a linear motor system
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes a hoistway; an elevator car to travel in the hoistway, the elevator car having permanent magnets mounted thereto; a stator mounted in the hoistway, the stator coacting with the permanent magnets to control motion of the elevator car in the hoistway, the stator including: a plurality of modular coil modules, each coil module including stacked coil assemblies, each coil assembly including stacked coil units, each coil unit corresponding to one phase of the stator.