Wedge Rope Clamp Deflection Mechanism for Compact Elevator Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face challenges in maintaining a compact design for rope clamps that allow repeated clamping and releasing of ropes without impairing the mechanical load-bearing capacity, especially when relocating within a building under construction, where space is limited and the rope length needs to be adjusted.
Innovation Solution
A rope clamp with a deflection device and wedge-shaped clamping surfaces that automatically clamp the rope due to tensile stress, allowing the rope to be looped around the clamping device in two offset areas, eliminating the need for a large housing and enabling self-clamping without pre-tension, and featuring a compact design with grooved surfaces for secure clamping and minimal mechanical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rope clamp with multiple clamping jaws and springs is used to reliably clamp the rope, then the clamping reliability is improved, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple support surfaces (first support surface, second support surface) that are arranged at angles to each other. Each support surface works in conjunction with a clamping surface to create separate clamping areas, allowing the rope to be clamped at multiple points without requiring a large housing to accommodate multiple independent clamping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping surfaces are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations. The first clamping surface and second clamping surface are inclined to each other, creating clamping areas at different angles. This three-dimensional arrangement allows multiple clamping points within a compact footprint, reducing the overall device size while maintaining reliable clamping.
2Area of stationary object
If the rope clamp is designed to be compact, then the installation space is reduced, but the mechanical load-bearing capacity may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The support surfaces and clamping surfaces are designed with specific local geometries and orientations. Each clamping area is optimized to distribute loads effectively, with surfaces inclined at angles that maximize friction and normal forces. This localized optimization ensures that each small clamping area contributes maximally to the overall load-bearing capacity despite the compact overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The rope clamp utilizes the composite action of multiple clamping areas working together. The first and second clamping areas, arranged at angles to each other, create a composite clamping system where the combined effect of both areas provides superior load-bearing capacity compared to a single clamping point, while maintaining a compact design.
3Area of stationary object
If the clamping surfaces are arranged at angles to each other, then the compact design is achieved, but the complexity of the support structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support surfaces and clamping surfaces are merged into a single integrated support device. The first support surface, second support surface, first clamping surface, and second clamping surface are all part of one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate housings or mounting structures for each clamping area. This merging reduces overall structural complexity despite the angled arrangements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rope clamp allows repeated clamping and releasing, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of mechanical damage to the rope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping surfaces are designed with preliminary geometric configurations that distribute contact forces evenly across the rope surface from the first clamp application. The angled support surfaces pre-position the clamping forces to avoid concentration points, preventing mechanical damage even after repeated clamping and releasing cycles.
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 solution provides a compact, self-clamping rope clamp that maintains the mechanical integrity of the rope, allowing for repeated use and easy installation in tight spaces, with reduced bending load on the rope and minimal risk of mechanical damage, while enabling efficient length adjustment of the rope during elevator system relocation.
Implementation Method 1
The rope clamp has a wedge-shaped clamping device with a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface... The rope to be clamped can be passed through the two clamping areas and can be deflected from the first clamping area to the second clamping area by means of the deflection device... automatically clamp the rope due to tensile stress
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cable clamp for a cable of a lift system, having a supporting device which has a wedge receptacle with a first supporting surface and a second supporting surface which is arranged at an angle from the first supporting surface, and having a wedge-shaped clamping device which can be moved to and fro in the wedge receptacle between a clamped position and a released position and has a first clamping surface which lies opposite the first supporting surface and a second clamping surface which lies opposite the second supporting surface, wherein the two clamping surfaces are oriented obliquely with respect to one another. In order to develop the cable clamp in such a way that it makes repeated clamping and releasing of the cable possible with a compact design, without the mechanical load-bearing capability of the cable being impaired appreciably as a result, it is proposed according to the invention that the cable clamp comprises a deflection device and a first clamping region which is arranged between the first clamping surface and the first supporting surface and a second clamping region which is arranged between the second clamping surface and the second supporting surface, wherein the cable to be clamped can be guided through the two clamping regions and can be deflected by means of the deflecting device from the first clamping region to the second clamping region.