Multi-Car Elevator Shaft Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems with multiple cars in the same shaft face challenges such as space constraints in the machine room and shaft, complicated installations, and increased costs due to the need for multiple hoisting ropes and traction sheaves, which limits the size of elevator cars and complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves having at least two elevators in the same shaft, where the uppermost elevator is driven by hoisting machinery placed above or near the top of the shaft, and the lowermost elevator is driven by machinery located near the pit, using different suspension methods like steel wire ropes and belts, allowing for separate installation and operation without interfering with each other, thus optimizing space usage and enabling larger car sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple elevator cars are installed one underneath another in the same shaft, then the transportation capacity is improved, but the space in the machine room and shaft becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the elevator system into two independent subsystems: an upper elevator system with hoisting machinery at the top of the shaft, and a lower elevator system with hoisting machinery at the bottom of the shaft. Each subsystem operates independently with its own car, ropes, and control mechanisms, allowing multiple cars to share the shaft without interfering with each other's space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-subsystem vertical arrangement to a dual-subsystem arrangement that utilizes both the top and bottom dimensions of the shaft. By placing hoisting machinery at both ends of the shaft and having cars travel in opposite directions, the system effectively doubles the transportation capacity while maintaining efficient use of vertical space
2Reliability
If multiple hoisting ropes are used for lowermost elevator cars, then symmetrical hoisting is achieved, but the installation becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hoisting system is segmented into two independent sets: one set of ropes controlled by the upper hoisting machinery and another set controlled by the lower hoisting machinery. Each set handles one car independently, eliminating the need for complex rope routing through multiple cars and simplifying installation while maintaining symmetrical hoisting for each car
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the upper hoisting machinery control all cars from above, the invention inverts the approach by placing hoisting machinery at both the top and bottom of the shaft. The lower hoisting machinery pulls its car upward from the bottom, while the upper machinery pulls its car downward from the top, creating symmetrical hoisting with simpler, more direct rope paths
3Ease of operation
If two separated hoisting ropes are used for the second car running laterally outside the first car, then the car is suspended, but the machine room space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by placing hoisting machinery at both the top and bottom of the shaft. This eliminates the need for lateral rope routing outside the shaft and removes the requirement for additional machine room space, as each car is suspended vertically from its respective hoisting machinery location
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 configuration saves space in the machine room and elevator shaft, allows for easier installation, and enables the use of larger elevator cars, with the flexibility to add or modify elevators as needed, such as using the lowermost car as a jump lift during construction and serving additional floors after completion.
Implementation Method 1
The uppermost one of the elevators has its hoisting machinery in or near the top of the elevator shaft... suspended and/or driven by aid of steel wire ropes
Implementation Method 2
the second one of the elevators is suspended and/or driven by aid of belts or flat ropes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator arrangement with multiple elevator cars in the same elevator shaft, the arrangement at least an uppermost elevator with its operating system, hoisting machinery (14, 4a) and elevator car (10), and a lower- most elevator with its operating system, hoisting machinery (24) and elevator car (20), which elevator cars (10, 20) are arranged to run in the same elevator shaft (1) along the same guide rails (3). The types of the two elevators in the same elevator shaft (1) are mutually different from each other.