Reversible Elevator Runner Casing with Rotating Side Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator runner casings are limited to using only one side as a friction surface with the rail due to their fixed folding direction, which restricts their functionality and requires multiple casings for different applications, increasing logistical and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A reversible casing design featuring a body with two articulations that allow side portions to rotate 90° in either direction, enabling either face to be used as a friction surface, potentially made from polymeric materials with different properties and configurations, such as V-shaped grooves, to accommodate various rail geometries and contact materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional casings are designed with fixed folding direction, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but only one face can be used as friction surface
Solution Approach 1:
The casing incorporates dynamic articulation joints that enable the side portions to rotate between folded and unfolded positions, transforming a static single-face casing into a dynamic reversible structure. The articulation mechanism allows the casing to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, enabling face switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing is divided into distinct segments including a central portion and side portions connected through articulation joints. This segmentation allows independent movement of side portions relative to the central portion, facilitating the reversible functionality while maintaining structural integrity through modular construction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple casings are used for different applications, then each casing can be optimized for specific use, but logistical costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is designed as a universal component capable of performing multiple functions through its reversible mechanism. By enabling both faces to serve as friction surfaces and accommodating different rail geometries through articulation, a single casing design replaces the need for multiple specialized casings, reducing inventory requirements and logistical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic articulation system allows the same casing to adapt to different operational conditions and rail configurations, enabling one casing to fulfill the roles previously requiring multiple static casings with different geometries.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The casing for elevator runners comprising a body (1) defining a first face (2) and a second face (3), said body (1) comprising two articulations (4, 5) defining a central portion (6) and two side portions (7, 8), and characterised in that said side portions (7, 8) are rotatable towards said central portion (6) in both directions in order to obtain different functions in one single casing.