Pneumatic Elevator Pressure Regulator for Controlled Gravity Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic elevators face challenges in controlling airflow and pressure within the elevator shaft during gravity descent, leading to unsafe and inefficient cabin movement due to unregulated pressure above and below the cabin, potentially causing damage from high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator system comprising a fluid transfer chamber with apertures, a flow control element, and an actuator, which adjusts airflow through the chamber to control pressure, utilizing a pressure sensor and controller to manage fluid flow and cabin movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If vent holes are provided to allow air to enter and exit the shaft, then the cabin can move within the shaft, but the air flow control becomes poor and overpressure damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a pressure regulator to dynamically adjust the flow control element position, thereby changing the aperture opening degree parameter. This allows precise control of air flow rate into and out of the shaft, ensuring the cabin descends at a controlled speed while preventing overpressure conditions that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator acts as an intermediary device between the vent holes and the cabin movement system. It mediates the air flow through the vent holes by using a flow control element that can be adjusted to specific positions, thereby controlling the rate of air entry and exit to match the cabin's movement requirements while maintaining safety.
2Stress or pressure
If the shaft is sealed to contain pressure, then pressure control is improved, but air flow regulation becomes difficult leading to overpressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a movable flow control element within the pressure regulator that can be dynamically adjusted to different positions. This allows the system to adapt the air flow rate to match varying operational conditions while maintaining the sealed shaft structure, thereby achieving both pressure control and ease of air flow regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator serves multiple functions: it maintains the shaft's sealed structure for pressure containment while simultaneously providing adjustable air flow regulation through the flow control element. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating both pressure containment and flow regulation capabilities in a single device.
3Use of energy by moving object
If downward travel relies on gravity, then energy consumption is reduced, but unsafe cabin movement occurs without pressure regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the cabin's own weight and gravity as the driving force for descent, eliminating the need for additional energy input. The pressure regulator then self-regulates the air flow to control the descent speed and prevent overpressure, allowing the system to utilize gravity's energy while automatically managing the harmful pressure effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of uncontrolled pressure during gravity descent into a beneficial controlled process. By using the pressure regulator with adjustable flow control, the system harnesses the pressure differential created during gravity-driven descent to control the cabin's speed, transforming what could be a dangerous uncontrolled pressure build-up into a useful speed control mechanism.
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
The system ensures safe and controlled cabin movement by regulating airflow, preventing overpressure and enhancing the reliability and efficiency of pneumatic elevator operations.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic elevator uses a suction mechanism such as a vacuum source to lift a passenger cabin vertically within a substantially sealed shaft... the system needs a mechanism for controlling pressure both above and below the cabin
Implementation Method 2
A pneumatic vacuum elevator uses a suction mechanism such as a vacuum source to lift a passenger cabin vertically within a substantially sealed shaft
Implementation Method 3
an actuator secured to the flow control element and operable to move the flow control element with respect to the fluid transfer chamber to control fluid flow through the apertures
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator includes a fluid transfer chamber defining one or more apertures. A flow control element is disposed within the fluid transfer chamber and is movable with respect to the fluid transfer chamber. An actuator is secured to the flow control element and is operable to move the flow control element with respect to the fluid transfer chamber to control fluid flow through the apertures in the fluid transfer chamber.