Universal Bracket for Elevator Rail Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator rail systems face challenges in aligning and securing rails within elevator shafts, often requiring complex alignment processes and additional aids.

Innovation Solution

A universal bracket system with positionable and alignable main supports, guides for plumb bobs, and fixed mounting points, along with a pit assembly and method for aligning rails using plumb bobs, to ensure precise alignment and secure mounting of rail systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional alignment methods using plumb weights and templates are used, then alignment can be achieved, but the alignment process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment system is segmented into modular components: universal brackets with integrated guides, intermediate brackets, and pit assemblies. Each component has predetermined fixed positions, allowing sequential alignment from reference bracket downward, simplifying the overall complex alignment process into manageable segments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Plumb bobs serve as intermediaries that transfer the vertical reference from the ceiling through the guides of reference, intermediate, and pit assemblies. This intermediary mechanism enables precise alignment without requiring complex measurement tools or procedures at each stage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If conventional alignment methods with multiple aids are used, then alignment can be achieved, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The universal brackets, intermediate brackets, and pit assemblies are manufactured with guides and mounting points at predetermined fixed positions before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming measurements and adjustments during installation, as components simply need to be positioned relative to the plumb bob references

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The universal bracket design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the rail, incorporates guides for plumb bob alignment, and includes mounting points for rail attachment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and operations needed, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining precision

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

3Manufacturing precision

If fixed position mounting points are used in the bracket, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different installation conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracket manufacturing precisionVSAvoidinstallation adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The universal bracket is designed with a standardized configuration of guides and mounting points at fixed positions that can accommodate various rail positions and installation conditions. This universal design allows the same bracket type to be used throughout the elevator shaft while maintaining manufacturing precision, adapting to different conditions through the modular system rather than through individual bracket variations

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

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

The universal bracket system and method enable efficient and precise alignment of elevator rail systems, compensating for lateral offsets and tolerances, thereby ensuring stable and reliable operation of elevator installations.

Implementation Method 1

The alignment apparatus can be a plumb weight, for example, which is hung from a ceiling of the elevator shaft down into a pit of the elevator shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12312213B2Universal console and pit assembly for a rail vehicle of an elevator system, rail system, and method for aligning the rail system
Publication Date: 2025.05.27 INVENTIO AG
  • US12312213B2 patent drawing
  • US12312213B2 patent drawing
  • US12312213B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A universal bracket for a rail system includes a positionable and alignable main support and at least one mounting point for at least one rail of the rail system. The main support has two guides that are inseparably connected to the main support in order to guide one plumb bob in each case, the mounting point and the guides being arranged in fixed positions relative to one another.