Movable Car Apron Supported on Guide Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems with stuck cars pose a risk of people falling into the shaft during evacuation due to gaps between the car and the floor, and existing movable car aprons struggle to meet high stability requirements, especially in systems with shallow pit depths or no pit.
Innovation Solution
The elevator system incorporates guide rails that support a movable car apron, allowing it to be easily moved into a blocking position to close gaps, with the apron being statically or dynamically supported on the rails, eliminating the need for complex structural attachments and ensuring stability compliance with standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid car aprons are used to meet stability requirements, then safety is improved, but the shaft pit depth must be large and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The car apron is designed as a movable structure that can dynamically extend downward to block the gap between the car and floor during emergencies. The apron transitions from a retracted position during normal operation to an extended blocking position when needed, allowing the shaft pit depth to be reduced while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking function is extracted from the permanent car apron structure and implemented as a separate movable barrier that can be deployed only when needed. This allows the main car structure to remain compact while providing safety functionality on demand.
2Adaptability or versatility
If movable car aprons are used to reduce shaft pit depth, then adaptability is improved, but stability is worsened due to difficulty meeting strict stability requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The car apron is merged with the guide rail system, using the existing guide rails as both guidance paths for car movement and support structures for the apron. This integration provides stable support for the movable apron without requiring additional complex structural attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails serve as an intermediary structure that mediates between the movable car apron and the shaft structure. The apron contacts the guide rails during movement and is supported by them, providing stability while maintaining mobility.
3Reliability
If complex structural attachments are used to ensure car apron stability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails perform multiple functions: they guide the car during normal operation and simultaneously support the movable car apron during emergency blocking operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex attachment structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail system serves itself by providing support for the car apron without requiring additional dedicated support structures. The existing guide rail infrastructure is utilized to its full potential, providing both guidance and support functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes a car that can be moved along guide rails in an elevator shaft and a car apron attached to the car. The car apron is supported on the guide rails. The car apron is collapsible with two flat apron elements hinged together at a horizontal fold line. For the support, the car apron has a support structure that adjoins a lower end of the lower flat apron element and includes guide elements that engage the guide rails.