Modular Transfer Station for Ropeless Elevator Lane Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ropeless elevator systems require all connected lanes to have the same dimensions for elevator car movement, necessitating precise installation of transfer stations across lane groups, which is challenging due to the need for horizontal and vertical translation of elevator cars.

Innovation Solution

A modular transfer station system comprising aligned modules that allow horizontal and vertical translation of elevator cars, with a parking module for storage and a static structure for support, enabling flexible and precise alignment and movement between lanes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all connected lanes have the same dimensions to allow elevator car movement, then the reliability of elevator car transfer is improved, but the adaptability to different building configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevator car transferVSAvoidbuilding configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer station is divided into multiple modular components including lane alignment modules, parking modules, and basic modules. Each module can be independently configured and assembled to match different building layouts while maintaining standardized interfaces that ensure reliable elevator car transfer between lanes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If precise reference across lane groups is required for transfer station installation, then the manufacturing precision of transfer station is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer station installationVSAvoidtransfer station assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Modular components are pre-assembled and pre-aligned in controlled manufacturing environments where precise reference can be established. These pre-assembled modules include built-in alignment features and reference marks that simplify on-site installation and ensure precise positioning without requiring complex field measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If horizontal and vertical translation of elevator cars is required, then the adaptability of transfer station is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevator car movementVSAvoidtransfer station structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer station incorporates movable platforms and adjustable support structures that can dynamically reposition to accommodate horizontal and vertical elevator car movements. These dynamic elements are integrated into the modular architecture, allowing complex movement capabilities without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10981752B2Modular transfer station

Publication Date: 2021.04.20 SWANSON SYST

AI summary

A modular transfer station for a passenger conveyance system including a multiple of modular transfer station modules, each of the multiple of modular transfer station modules includes a static structure. A method of assembling a modular transfer station for a passenger conveyance including assembling a first interface lane alignment module to a second a second modular transfer station parking module, wherein each of the multiple of modular transfer station modules includes a generally equivalent static structure.