Ropeless Elevator Car Propulsion via Segmented Stators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled elevator systems face challenges due to the use of multiple motors and guide rails, which increase weight, space requirements, and costs, particularly in high-rise buildings where multiple elevator cars share a single hoistway.
Innovation Solution
The elevator system employs a design with a hoistway divided into two portions, where each car is propelled by a single mover interacting with a stationary stator, eliminating the need for additional guide rails in one portion and utilizing a guidance system in the other, allowing for horizontal shifting or rotation between hoistway portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are disposed on different sides of the elevator car, then the car can be propelled in multiple hoistway portions, but the weight of the car increases and additional space is required in the hoistway
Solution Approach 1:
The hoistway is divided into multiple portions (first hoistway portion and second hoistway portion) with stationary stators disposed in each portion. The single mover on the car interacts with different stators in different portions, allowing the car to be propelled throughout the entire hoistway without requiring multiple motors on the car itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a horizontal arrangement (multiple motors on opposite sides of the car) to a vertical arrangement (single mover interacting with stationary stators at different vertical positions in different hoistway portions). This dimensional change allows the car to access multiple hoistway portions while maintaining a single motor configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple guide rails and supports are used, then the car can be guided in multiple hoistway portions, but the footprint of the hoistway increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hoistway is segmented into multiple portions, each equipped with its own stationary stator and guiderail. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently configured with minimal guidance infrastructure, reducing the overall footprint compared to a continuous multi-directional guide rail system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses vertical stacking of hoistway portions rather than horizontal expansion. Each portion has its own guiderail disposed vertically, allowing the car to transition between portions without requiring lateral space for additional guide rails, thus minimizing the horizontal footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors and guide rails are used, then the system can handle multiple hoistway portions, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the propulsion function into a single mover unit that can interact with different stationary stators in different hoistway portions. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple motors and their associated control systems, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to serve multiple portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single mover is designed with universal functionality to interact with stationary stators in any hoistway portion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for portion-specific motor configurations, reducing overall system cost through standardization and simplification of components.
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 design reduces weight, space requirements, and costs by minimizing the number of motors and guide rails, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the elevator system while maintaining reliable propulsion and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The first car is propelled in the first hoistway portion by only the interaction of the first mover with the first stationary stator, and the first car is propelled in the second hoistway portion by only the interaction of the first mover with the second stationary stator
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system (10) is disclosed. The elevator system (10) may comprise a hoistway (18) including first and second hoistway portions (12, 16), a first car (14), a first stationary stator (44a) disposed in the first hoistway portion (12) and a second stationary stator (44b) disposed in the second hoistway portion (16), a first mover (42) mounted on the first car (14), and a first guiderail (62) disposed in the first hoistway (12). The first hoistway portion (12) may be free of other guiderails (62) for the first car (14). The first car (14) may be propelled in the first hoistway portion (12) by only the interaction of the first mover (42) with the first stationary stator (44a). The first car (14) may be propelled in the second hoistway portion (16) by only the interaction of the first mover (42) with the second stationary stator (44b).