Retractable Elevator Stop for Low Overhead Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable stops for low overhead elevators face challenges in meeting the minimum clearance requirement due to their thick lateral profile, which is necessary for structural rigidity, and this can lead to the need for costly modifications to the counterweight or elevator system.
Innovation Solution
A retractable stop design featuring a cross member that pivots from a horizontal to a vertical position, allowing the impact plate to be at least substantially vertical when retracted, reducing the lateral profile and eliminating the horizontal vector of impact force, thus meeting the clearance requirement without additional cost or modifying the counterweight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support member is constructed with sufficient lateral dimension and heft to provide structural rigidity, then the structural rigidity is improved, but the lateral profile increases and fails to meet the minimum clearance requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to be movable between a horizontal position (when engaged with the counterweight) and a vertical position (when disengaged). This dynamic repositioning allows the structure to achieve full lateral dimension when needed for strength, while retracting to meet clearance requirements when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop assembly is divided into separate functional components: the support member for structural strength, the impact plate for force transmission, and the mounting channel for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the support member can be thick-walled for rigidity while the overall assembly retracts to meet clearance specifications.
2Reliability
If the triangular configuration is used to block downward movement of the counterweight, then the stop function is improved, but the support member must bear horizontal vector of impact force requiring increased lateral dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal force-bearing function is extracted from the support member and transferred to the impact plate. The impact plate is positioned to receive and absorb the horizontal impact force directly from the counterweight, while the support member focuses solely on providing vertical structural support and rigidity. This functional separation allows the support member to be thinner while maintaining reliability.
3Length of stationary object
If the retractable stop is designed to meet minimum clearance requirement, then the clearance is improved, but the load bearing capacity in deployed position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support member transitions from a compact vertical configuration (retracted) to an extended horizontal configuration (deployed). In the retracted position, the minimal lateral profile meets clearance requirements. In the deployed position, the full horizontal extension provides the necessary structural span and load-bearing capacity to safely stop the counterweight.
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 improved lateral profile of the retractable stop allows for safe operation within the limited space of low overhead elevators, maintaining structural rigidity and load-bearing capacity while meeting the minimum clearance requirement without additional expense or modifying the existing counterweight.
Implementation Method 1
A retractable stop design featuring a cross member that pivots from a horizontal to a vertical position
Implementation Method 2
the horizontal impact plate blocks the downward movement of the counterweight with the impact force transmitted into the pit floor through the mounting channel and support member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A retractable stop (20) and the method of use thereof to control travel range of an elevator system are disclosed. The retractable stop (20) may include a vertical mounting bracket (21), an impact plate (30), and a support member (40). The support member (40) may include an upper end (41) pivotably connected to a distal portion (32) of the impact plate (30) and a lower end (42) movable in relation to the mounting bracket (21). The proximal portion (31) of the impact plate (30) may be pivotably connected to the mounting bracket (21). When the retractable stop is in a retracted position, the impact plate (30) does not significantly contribute to the lateral profile of the retractable stop.