Wireless Elevator Power via Linear Motor Windings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled elevator systems require moving cables or current collectors to supply power to the elevator car, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in high-rise buildings where rope mass is prohibitive or multiple elevator cars need to be accommodated in a single hoistway.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power supply system using primary and secondary windings, where primary windings along guide rails power the elevator car through a linear motor, and secondary windings on the car induce a current via leakage flux for powering elevator subsystems, eliminating the need for moving cables and providing electromagnetic shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If moving cables or current collectors are used to supply power to the elevator car, then power can be continuously supplied to the moving car, but the system becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical power transmission system (moving cables and current collectors) with an electromagnetic wireless power transmission system. Primary windings mounted on guide rails and secondary windings on the elevator car create electromagnetic coupling that transfers power wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical connections during motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the stationary guide rails and the moving elevator car. The primary windings generate electromagnetic fields that couple with secondary windings on the car, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct mechanical contact while enabling power transfer.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ropes are used in traditional elevator systems, then power can be transmitted to the elevator car, but the rope mass becomes prohibitive in high-rise buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rope-based power transmission system with an electromagnetic wireless power transmission system. By using electromagnetic coupling between primary and secondary windings, the system eliminates the need for heavy ropes while maintaining power transmission capability to moving elevator cars.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elevator cars are accommodated in a single hoistway, then space efficiency is improved, but power supply complexity increases with traditional systems
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power supply system using electromagnetic coupling provides a universal power transmission method that can simultaneously serve multiple elevator cars in a single hoistway. The system eliminates the need for separate power transmission mechanisms for each car, reducing overall complexity while supporting multiple cars.
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
Enables efficient and cable-free power transfer to moving elevator cars, enhancing mobility and reducing installation complexity while providing power to essential systems like ventilation, lighting, and control units.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless power supply system using primary and secondary windings, where primary windings along guide rails power the elevator car through a linear motor, and secondary windings on the car induce a current via leakage flux
Implementation Method 2
primary windings along guide rails power the elevator car through a linear motor
Data Source
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AI summary
An elevator system includes an elevator car having an elevator car subsystem; a guide rail to guide the elevator car along a hoistway; primary windings positioned along the hoistway; permanent magnets coupled to the elevator car, the primary windings and permanent magnets defining a linear motor for imparting motion to the elevator car in response to a drive signal; and secondary windings coupled to the elevator car, the secondary windings generating a current to power the elevator car subsystem.