Rotatable Stator Beam Elevator Direction Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional elevators with hoisting ropes are limited to vertical movement, while elevators with electric linear motors need a mechanism to change direction seamlessly between vertical and horizontal movements, especially in long shafts where hoisting rope loading becomes excessive.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves an arrangement with rotatable stator beam parts and actuators that allow the elevator car to change direction by aligning and rotating the stator beams, eliminating the need for hoisting ropes and enabling movement in multiple directions within the elevator shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If hoisting ropes are used to move the elevator car, then the elevator can move vertically, but the loading on the hoisting rope becomes excessive in long shafts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft lengthVSAvoidhoisting rope loading
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the hoisting rope from the elevator system, replacing it with an electric linear motor. This removes the problematic element (hoisting rope) that becomes excessively loaded in long shafts, while maintaining the vertical movement capability through electromagnetic force between the stator and mover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical hoisting rope system with an electric linear motor system. The mechanical force transmission through ropes is substituted by electromagnetic force generation between the stator (arranged in the shaft) and mover (arranged in the elevator car), eliminating the need for physical connection elements that bear mechanical load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the elevator car is configured to move only in vertical directions, then the system is simple, but it cannot move in multiple directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement direction capabilityVSAvoiddirection changing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the stator beam dynamic and rotatable instead of fixed. The stator beam can rotate about an axis to change its orientation from vertical to horizontal, enabling the elevator car to change movement directions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to multiple directions while using the same electromagnetic motor components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electric linear motor system serves multiple functions: it can move the elevator car vertically when the stator beam is vertical, horizontally when the stator beam is horizontal, and can transition between these states. The same motor components (stator and mover) perform multiple directional movement functions through the rotatable stator beam configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the stator beam is fixed, then the structure is stable, but the elevator car cannot change movement direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirection changing capabilityVSAvoidstator beam stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stator beam is designed to be rotatable rather than completely fixed, allowing it to change orientation from vertical to horizontal position. This controlled dynamic movement enables direction changing while maintaining structural stability during operation in each position. The rotation mechanism provides the necessary adaptability without compromising operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution allows multiple elevator cars to move in various directions within the shaft, reducing loading on the system and enabling efficient operation in long shafts, such as those found in tall buildings, by eliminating the need for hoisting ropes and facilitating smooth direction changes.

Implementation Method 1

The movement of the elevator car is produced by the mover or movers in electromagnetic engagement with the stator of the electric linear motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

Ends of the first stator beam parts may be shaped, particularly rounded, for facilitating the rotation and aligning of the first stator beam parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3409631B1Arrangement and method for changing a direction of movement of an elevator car of an elevator, and the elevator thereof
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 KONE OYJ
  • EP3409631B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3409631B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3409631B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4E

AI summary

An arrangement (200) and a method for changing a direction of movement of an elevator car (10) of an elevator (100), and the elevator thereof, are presented. The arrangement (200) comprises at least two rotatable first stator beam parts (14A) for receiving at least two movers (16) rotatably coupled to the elevator car (10) and at least one actuator (28) for rotating the at least two first stator beam parts (14A). Said stator beam parts (14A) are arranged such that the axes of rotation (25) of said stator beam parts (14A) align with the axes of rotation (26) of the movers (16) when the movers (16) are arranged at corresponding positions. Each one of the movers (16) rotates along with a respective first stator beam part (14A) when said respective first stator beam part (14A) is being rotated by the at least one actuator (28).