Segmented Elevator Sheave Liner for Secure, Easy Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator sheave liners in existing technologies require improvements in structure, performance, installation, replacement, and maintenance operations, as well as manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The elevator sheave liner is designed with combinable segments featuring concave-convex structures that engage with the elevator sheave, allowing for stable installation and easy replacement, and includes a bracket structure for reusable segments to maintain traction force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a liner is configured on the elevator sheave to increase friction and reduce wear, then the lifespan of components is prolonged, but the structure and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifespan of elevator sheave and tension memberVSAvoidstructure complexity of sheave liner
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheave liner is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently installed and removed. Each segment features concave-convex structures for engagement with the sheave and adjacent segments, enabling simplified installation and replacement while maintaining the friction-increasing function across the entire sheave surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a liner is configured on the elevator sheave to reduce wear between components, then the lifespan of components is prolonged, but the installation and replacement difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifespan of elevator sheave and tension memberVSAvoidease of installation and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The liner is segmented into multiple sections with standardized engagement features. The concave-convex structures allow segments to be quickly connected to the sheave and to each other, significantly reducing installation and replacement time compared to a single-piece liner design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular segment design enables individual segments to be replaced independently when worn, rather than replacing the entire liner. This reduces maintenance time and allows recovery of still-serviceable segments for reuse after minor repairs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If combinable segments are used to form the sheave liner, then the ease of installation and replacement improves, but the reliability of engagement may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installation and replacementVSAvoidreliability of segment engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The liner is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently installed and removed. Each segment features concave-convex structures for engagement with the sheave and adjacent segments, enabling simplified installation and replacement while maintaining the friction-increasing function across the entire sheave surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using protruding convex structures that could disengage, the design uses concave receptacles that positively receive and retain the convex engagement features. This inverted approach ensures that segments remain securely engaged under operational loads while allowing easy installation by simple insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4647385A1Elevator sheave liner, elevator sheave assembly, and elevator system
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4647385A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4647385A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4647385A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An elevator sheave liner, an elevator sheave assembly, and an elevator system are disclosed. The elevator sheave liner comprises two or more combinable segments arranged in a combinable manner on an elevator sheave to form an elevator sheave liner for engagement with an elevator tension member, wherein at least one of the combinable segments is provided with a first concave-convex structure along a transverse direction on a bottom of the at least one of the combinable segments, the first concave-convex structure matching a second concave-convex structure arranged transversely on an outer circumferential surface of the elevator sheave to engage correspondingly with each other when the at least one combinable segment is arranged on the elevator sheave. The elevator sheave liner has the advantages of simple structure, high reliability, easy installation, replacement and maintenance operations. It can engage the elevator sheave reliably without being prone to problems such as slipping or falling off.