Multicar Elevator Linear Motor Hoistway Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled elevator systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple elevator cars in high-rise buildings, particularly in terms of reducing the mass of ropes and optimizing space usage, while maintaining high capacity and ease of maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A multicar, self-propelled elevator system with a structural member supporting both propulsion and guide surfaces for two hoistways, utilizing a linear permanent magnet motor propulsion system and modular construction to facilitate horizontal transfer stations and reduce the need for heavy equipment and ropes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a roped elevator system is used in high-rise buildings, then the elevator cars can be supported along the hoistway, but the mass of the ropes becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rope element from the elevator system by implementing a ropeless design. Instead of using traditional ropes to support elevator cars, the system uses a carriage that travels along the hoistway guided by guide surfaces and propelled by a linear motor, thereby removing the prohibitive mass of ropes while maintaining support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rope-based suspension system with an electromagnetic propulsion system. The linear motor generates electromagnetic force to propel the carriage, eliminating the need for heavy ropes and providing more efficient, controllable motion for multiple elevator cars.
2Productivity
If multiple elevator cars are placed in a single hoistway, then the passenger capacity increases, but the space management and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hoistway into multiple independent travel paths by positioning multiple carriages along the same hoistway at different locations. Each carriage can be independently controlled and propelled, allowing multiple elevator cars to share the hoistway space without interfering with each other, thereby increasing capacity while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal hoistway system where a single hoistway can accommodate multiple carriages for bidirectional travel. The guide surfaces and propulsion system serve multiple functions by supporting both upward and downward traveling cars, eliminating the need for separate hoistways and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of repair
If traditional roped systems are used, then the elevator cars can be supported, but the maintenance requirements and rope replacement needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rope element entirely from the system, eliminating the need for periodic rope replacement and maintenance. The carriage system uses guide surfaces and electromagnetic propulsion instead of ropes, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rope system with an electromagnetic propulsion and guidance system. The linear motor and guide surfaces provide a more durable, low-maintenance alternative to ropes, eliminating wear and tear issues associated with rope friction and tension, thereby simplifying maintenance and extending component service life.
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 solution increases passenger capacity, reduces floor space usage, simplifies maintenance, and eliminates the need for periodic rope replacement, while allowing for flexible adaptation to varying building heights and traffic demands.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a linear permanent magnet motor propulsion system
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes a first hoistway; a second hoistway; and a structural member disposed between the first hoistway and the second hoistway; the structural member supporting a first stationary portion of a propulsion system for the first hoistway; the structural member supporting a first guide surface for an elevator car in the first hoistway; the structural member supporting a second stationary portion of the propulsion system for the second hoistway; the structural member supporting a second guide surface for an elevator car in the second hoistway.