Rescue Elevator Suspension Point Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rescue elevator systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting pulling forces from the rope winch to the suspension point, leading to unfavorable load distribution on the rescue ladder and elevator, making it difficult to reach the end of the ladder safely, especially for individuals with physical or mental limitations.
Innovation Solution
The suspension point for the rope is relocated towards the trailing end of the elevator, and an additional passage ladder is used to bridge the distance between the deflection roller and the suspension point, allowing the elevator to be pulled closer to the ladder end by pivoting to follow the changing rope angle, reducing perpendicular forces and improving force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the suspension point is located near the leading end of the elevator, then the pulling force transmission is more direct, but the perpendicular force components increase causing deformation of the ladder framework and raising the elevator from the rails
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension point is relocated from the leading end to the trailing end of the elevator, changing the spatial dimension of force application. This dimensional shift in the force transmission path reduces the perpendicular force components that cause harmful effects on the ladder framework while maintaining effective pulling force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage ladder acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the gap between the deflection roller and the suspended elevator. It provides a stable platform for passengers to access the elevator while the suspension point remains positioned at the trailing end, mediating between the force transmission system and the passenger access requirement.
2Force
If the suspension point is located near the leading end of the elevator, then the pulling force is applied more directly, but the elevator is pulled away from the rails impairing its running characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the suspension point to the trailing end of the elevator, the force application point is shifted to a dimension that minimizes destabilizing moments. This positioning ensures that the pulling force acts more aligned with the rail direction, reducing the tendency to lift the elevator off the rails and maintaining stable running characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If the elevator approaches the free end of the ladder, then passenger access from the rescue cage is facilitated, but the angle between rope sections increases reducing pulling force efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension point relocation to the trailing end creates a more favorable geometric configuration as the elevator approaches the free end. This dimensional change in suspension positioning allows the elevator to reach the end position for easy passenger access while maintaining better rope angle geometry that preserves pulling force efficiency.
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 enables the elevator to approach the rescue ladder end more safely and efficiently, facilitating easier entry and exit for passengers, while maintaining sufficient pulling force along the rails, thus enhancing the rescue process.
Implementation Method 1
The deflection roller is disposed below the rails at or near the free end of the rescue ladder. By this deflection roller, the pulling force of the rope winch is deflected like in a classical pulley tackle such that it acts on the elevator to pull it towards its top end position.
Implementation Method 2
the passage ladder is mounted between the rails at a hinge axis perpendicular to the extension direction of the rails, and the passage extends generally towards the end of the rescue ladder. By this hinge suspension, the passage ladder is pivotable between a flat position in which it lies generally parallel to the plane in which the rails are disposed, and an inclined position, in which it is inclined downwardly towards the bottom side of the rescue ladder.
Data Source
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AI summary
Rescue elevator system (10), comprising a rescue ladder (12) and an elevator (14) running on rails (24, 26) on a top side of the rescue ladder (12) up to an end position at one end (16) of the rescue ladder (12), and an elevator drive comprising a rope (48), a rope winch for pulling the rope (48) and a deflection roller (64) over which the rope (48) is guided from the rope winch to a suspension point (46) at the elevator (14), wherein the deflection roller (64) is disposed below the rails (24, 26) at or near the one end (16) of the rescue ladder (12), characterized in that the suspension point (46) is displaced towards a trailing end (68) of the elevator (14) averted from the one end (16) of the rescue ladder (12) such that in the end position of the elevator (14), the suspension point (46) is located in a distance from the deflection roller (64) in the extension direction of the rails (24, 26), and the elevator (14) comprises a passage ladder (36) to bridge the distance between the suspension point and the deflection roller in the end position of the elevator (14), said passage ladder (36) lying on top of the rope (48) and being mounted between the rails (24, 26) at a hinge axis (47) perpendicular to the extension direction of the rails (24, 26) and extending generally towards the one end (16) of the rescue ladder (12) such as to be pivotable between a flat position in which it lies generally parallel to the plane of the rails (24, 26) and an inclined position in which it is inclined downwardly towards the bottom side of the rescue ladder (12).