Scalable Elevator Car Frame With Removable Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator systems are limited by fixed duty loads and dimensions, making them unable to transport heavier or larger loads that exceed the capacity of individual elevators or freight elevators.
Innovation Solution
A scalable elevator system comprising two cantilever elevators with removable inserts that can be configured to operate independently or jointly, allowing for adjustable interior space and synchronized movement control, enabling the system to adapt to different operational modes based on load requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-configuration elevators are used, then each elevator has a predefined duty load and surface area, but the system cannot transport loads heavier or larger than the maximum capacity of individual elevators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple elevator cars (first elevator car, second elevator car, and removable insert) to form a combined elevator configuration. This allows the system to transport loads exceeding the capacity of individual elevators by combining their load-bearing capacities and interior volumes, directly resolving the contradiction between fixed capacity and adaptability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a removable insert that can be added or removed to dynamically change the elevator configuration. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt between single-elevator mode and combined-elevator mode based on load requirements, resolving the contradiction between fixed configuration and adaptable capacity.
2Productivity
If multiple elevators operate independently, then each elevator can be controlled separately for efficient operation, but the system cannot utilize combined capacity for oversized loads
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between independent operation mode (for normal loads) and combined operation mode (for oversized or heavy loads). This dynamic operational flexibility allows the system to maintain high productivity during normal operation while also being able to utilize combined capacity when needed, resolving the contradiction between operational efficiency and adaptability.
3Weight of moving object
If elevators are configured for maximum load capacity, then heavy loads can be transported, but the interior space and dimensions remain fixed and cannot accommodate varying load sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the elevator system into modular components (first elevator car, second elevator car, and removable insert). This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration of interior space by adding or removing modules, enabling the system to adapt interior volume to match the size of different loads while maintaining the ability to transport heavy loads when all modules are present.
Data Source
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AI summary
A scalable elevator system is provided and includes a first elevator movable in a hoistway in upward and downward directions, a second elevator movable in the hoistway in the upward and downward directions and a removable insert. The removable insert is securable to complementary sides of the first and second elevators such that the first and second elevators and the removable insert jointly define a combined interior.