Ropeless Elevator Car Transfer for Multi-Car Shaft Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator systems with ropes and counterweights allow only one elevator car per shaft, limiting efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A robotic transporter system with a propulsion system and beam climber mechanism moves elevator cars within and outside the elevator shaft, allowing multiple cars to operate simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If rope and counterweight systems are used, then one elevator car can be supported per shaft, but the system allows only one elevator car in the shaft at a time, limiting capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the elevator shaft operation into two distinct phases: vertical transport within the shaft and horizontal parking outside the shaft. This segmentation allows multiple cars to be in different phases simultaneously - some cars are being transported vertically while others are parked horizontally, effectively increasing the number of cars that can operate in the system at once without increasing shaft complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a horizontal dimension by creating a parking area outside the vertical shaft. Elevator cars transition from purely vertical movement to horizontal movement on robotic transporters. This dimensional change allows cars to be stored and retrieved without occupying shaft space, enabling multiple cars to exist in the system simultaneously without increasing shaft complexity
2Productivity
If multiple elevator cars operate simultaneously in the shaft, then capacity increases, but ropeless propulsion systems are required which complicates the propulsion mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic transporters are self-propelled units that autonomously navigate to the shaft, attach to elevator cars, transport them horizontally, and release them. The beam climber systems on the cars are self-contained propulsion units that climb guide beams independently. This self-service capability allows multiple cars to operate simultaneously without requiring a complex centralized propulsion system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional rope-based mechanical propulsion with robotic transporters using sensors, motors, and autonomous navigation. The beam climber systems use electric motors to climb guide beams instead of rope friction. This substitution enables multiple independent cars to operate simultaneously while managing propulsion system complexity through modular, electronically-controlled units
3Adaptability or versatility
If robotic transporters with beam climber systems are used, then cars can be moved outside the shaft, but the system requires precise alignment between guide beams and containment slot guide beams
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic transporters and beam climber systems incorporate sensors that detect the position and alignment of guide beams and containment slots. This feedback allows the system to make real-time adjustments to maintain precise alignment during movement, enabling flexible car positioning while managing alignment precision requirements through active control
Solution Approach 2:
The guide beams and containment slot guide beams are designed with matching geometries and positions that create an equipotential alignment condition. The vertical guide beams in the shaft and the horizontal containment slot guide beams outside the shaft are positioned to naturally align when the robotic transporter is in the correct position, reducing the precision requirements through symmetric design
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
Enables multiple elevator cars to be moved efficiently within and outside the shaft, enhancing operational flexibility and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a first wheel in contact with the first surface; and a first electric motor configured to rotate the first wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic transporter system for elevator cars including: a propulsion system configured to move an elevator car through an elevator shaft; and a robotic transporter configured to move the elevator car within a parking area, the robotic transporter including: an elevator containment slot to receive the elevator car and the propulsion system of the elevator car when the elevator containment slot is aligned with the elevator shaft.