Multi-Car Elevator Counterweight Layout for Collision-Free Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-car elevators face challenges in installing counterweights for multiple cars in a single elevator shaft without causing collisions and require efficient methods to connect and operate these counterweights effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of a single counterweight or counterweights equal in number to the cars, with movable pulleys and ropes configured to connect cars in a way that prevents collisions, allowing operation within a single elevator shaft without expanding its size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single counterweight is used for multiple cars, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to prevent counterweight collisions and operate multiple cars effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight system is segmented into multiple independent counterweights (first counterweight and second counterweight) that can be independently controlled and positioned. This segmentation allows each counterweight to be associated with specific cars, enabling independent operation and collision prevention while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweights are designed to move dynamically with the cars they serve. As cars move up and down the shaft, their corresponding counterweights move in opposite directions, creating a dynamic balance system that automatically prevents collisions through coordinated motion rather than static positioning
2Productivity
If counterweights are connected to multiple cars, then operational efficiency improves, but the method of connection and operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple counterweights are merged into a single integrated system that shares common structural support and control mechanisms. The first and second counterweights operate together in the same shaft, utilizing shared infrastructure to reduce overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to serve multiple cars independently
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight system is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The same counterweight structure and connection mechanisms can accommodate different numbers of cars and configurations, making the system adaptable and reducing the need for specialized components for each car-counterweight pair
3Productivity
If the elevator shaft is widened to accommodate multiple counterweights, then multiple cars can operate simultaneously, but construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vertical dimension and spatial arrangement within the existing shaft width to accommodate multiple counterweights. By arranging counterweights at different vertical positions and using overhead traversal mechanisms, the system enables multi-car operation without requiring horizontal expansion of the shaft structure
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
Enables multiple cars to travel efficiently in a single elevator shaft by maximizing the use of existing equipment, minimizing space requirements, and facilitating easy installation and operation of counterweights and ropes.
Implementation Method 1
one or more counterweight pulleys are installed as movable pulleys on the counterweight
Implementation Method 2
The cars may each be connected to the counterweight rope through the counterweight rope connection car pulley installed on each of the cars
Implementation Method 3
the cars may each be operated by a drive pulley connected to a differential
Implementation Method 4
one or more counterweight pulleys are installed as movable pulleys on the counterweight
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, a single counterweight is used for a plurality of cars of a multi-car elevator installed in a single elevator shaft to provide a counterweight function with the same weight to the cars, or counterweights equal in number to the plurality of cars are used. A counterweight rope of single counterweight, which connects the cars, may be connected to a car rope or a car pulley. All the ropes are disposed on imaginary radial straight lines disposed in different directions based on a center vertical line of the car. The multi-car elevator according to the present invention uses a minimum space. The multi-car elevator may be implemented by minimally changing an elevator in related art.