Rail-Mounted Elevator Traction Motor to Cut Weight and Torque Fluctuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems face inefficiencies due to the use of geared induction motors, which require a machine room, are heavy, costly, and cause torque fluctuations affecting passenger comfort, while gearless permanent magnet synchronous motors need a casting method and are structurally complex.

Innovation Solution

A rail-mounted integrated elevator traction system that eliminates the need for a casting method, uses the motor body as the chassis, and integrates the motor directly with the elevator rail, reducing weight and complexity, and includes a belt drive mechanism to enhance efficiency and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If geared induction motors are used in elevator systems, then the motor capacity is sufficient, but the motor becomes structurally large and heavy requiring an additional machine room

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor capacityVSAvoidmotor weight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the motor and machine room functions into an integrated unit that can be installed directly in the elevator shaft. The motor housing serves dual purposes as both the motor enclosure and the machine room structure, eliminating the need for a separate machine room while maintaining sufficient motor capacity for elevator operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a horizontal machine room installation to a vertical shaft installation. By changing the spatial dimension from horizontal (machine room adjacent to shaft) to vertical (motor installed within shaft), the system eliminates the need for additional horizontal space while maintaining motor functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If geared induction motors are used, then the motor can handle high loads, but energy efficiency decreases due to IE2 and IE3 efficiency classes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload handling capacityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the motor type from geared induction motor (IE2-IE3 efficiency) to gearless permanent magnet synchronous motor with direct torque control. This parameter change in motor technology enables IE4-IE5 efficiency levels while maintaining the ability to handle high loads through advanced control algorithms that compensate for the elimination of mechanical gearing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If gearless permanent magnet synchronous motors are used, then the machine room can be eliminated, but torque fluctuations at high torques negatively affect passenger comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine room eliminationVSAvoidtorque fluctuations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements advanced feedback control systems with high-resolution encoders that continuously monitor motor position and speed. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of torque delivery, smoothing out fluctuations and maintaining passenger comfort while operating without a machine room. The control system compensates for torque variations through active regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic torque control strategies that adjust motor output in real-time based on load conditions and acceleration requirements. By making the torque delivery dynamic rather than static, the system eliminates harmful torque fluctuations while maintaining the simplicity of machine-room-less installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If gearless permanent magnet synchronous motors are produced with cast bodies, then the motor structure is complete, but the motors become quite heavy with high logistical costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor structureVSAvoidmotor weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional cast metal bodies with composite material constructions, likely combining aluminum alloys with engineered plastic components. This composite approach maintains the structural integrity and stability needed for motor housing while significantly reducing weight, thereby lowering logistical costs without compromising structural completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the motor housing into separate modular components that can be manufactured independently and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized material selection in each component, using lighter materials where possible while maintaining structural strength, and facilitates easier assembly and disassembly for logistics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 achieves a 30-40% reduction in weight and cost, improves energy efficiency, reduces torque fluctuations, and enhances passenger comfort by integrating the motor with the rail, eliminating the need for a separate machine room and minimizing material and assembly costs.

Implementation Method 1

a rotor with permanent magnets, where the interaction between the magnetic field of the permanent magnets and the stator windings produces torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4429990B1Rail-mounted integrated elevator traction system
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 BURSA TEKNIK UNIVERSITESI REKTORLÜGÜ
  • EP4429990B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4429990B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4429990B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a traction motor for lifts comprising a stator (1) and a rotor (2), a shaft (4) concentrically arranged with said stator (1) and the rotor (2) and rotatable according to the relative movement of the stator (1) and the rotor (2) and including traction zones at the ends between the stator (1) and the rotor (2), motor connection plates (7) shaped and sized to cover the openings at both ends of said stator (1), having an opening through which the shaft (4) can pass, a rail connection hole (5.1) on the surface of said stator (1) to ensure connection with a rail (16), an elevator installation having this motor, and a production method thereof.