Multi-Car Elevator Switching for Higher Throughput in One Hoistway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevators with traction sheaves and shafts are inefficient for high-rise buildings, requiring multiple shafts that increase space and cost while offering low transportation capacity and long waiting times, and existing multi-shaft systems face issues like collisions and slow speeds.
Innovation Solution
A smart multi-car elevator system with multiple elevator cars operating in one hoistway, utilizing switching mechanisms and power mechanisms to allow simultaneous upward and downward movements, and a smart control system for efficient passenger allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple elevator shafts are used to increase transportation capacity, then transportation efficiency is improved, but building space and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple elevator cars into a single shaft system, allowing multiple cars to share the same hoistway space. This is achieved through switching mechanisms that enable cars to transition between different operational modes (parallel operation, series operation, or mixed operation) within the same shaft, thereby increasing transportation capacity without requiring additional shaft space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the elevator system to change its operational configuration in real-time. The switching mechanisms enable the system to dynamically adjust between different operational modes (single-car mode, multi-car parallel mode, series mode) based on demand, optimizing space utilization and transportation efficiency under varying conditions.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple elevator cars are placed in the same shaft, then building space is saved, but collision risks and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces switching mechanisms as intermediary devices between the elevator cars and the shaft structure. These switching mechanisms (including switching rails, switching drivers, and control systems) mediate the interactions between multiple cars, enabling safe coordination of movements, preventing collisions, and managing operational conflicts through controlled transitions between different operational modes.
3Device complexity
If conventional traction sheave and shaft elevators are used, then structure is simple, but transportation efficiency is low and waiting time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the elevator system into multiple independent elevator cars that can operate simultaneously or in sequence within the same shaft. Each car is equipped with its own power mechanism and control system, allowing independent operation. This segmentation enables parallel transportation of passengers across different floors, significantly improving throughput and reducing waiting times while maintaining relatively simple individual car structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart multi-car elevator system, comprising at least two hoistways, a switch mechanism, a power mechanism and multiple cars; the hoistways are internally provided with rails for the movement of the cars, the switch mechanism is provided between adjacent hoistways, the position of the cars being switched, by means of the switch mechanism, between the adjacent hoistways; the perform, driven by the power mechanism, upward or downward movement within the hoistways or switch movement between the hoistways, and the cars are driven by the power mechanism to stop at any floor for people to get in or get out the elevator. The smart multi-car elevator system is provided with multiple individually running cars within one hoistway, improving the conveying efficiency and effectively saving the building space and building cost.