Woven Elevator Belt Traction Surface for Sheave Grip and Cable Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator belts face challenges in achieving desired traction between the belt and the traction sheave, which affects the movement of the elevator car, as existing solutions do not effectively provide consistent friction characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A method involving weaving fibers with tension elements to create a traction surface, where the fibers are coated to define an exterior texture, providing a non-continuous or non-planar surface that ensures the tension elements are protected from direct contact with the sheave while maintaining desired friction through the weave pattern and material selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a roughened surface is applied to the belt jacket to provide friction characteristics, then traction between the belt and traction sheave is improved, but the tension elements become exposed and vulnerable to direct contact and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction forceVSAvoidtension element protection

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different surface characteristics to different regions of the belt. The traction surface has a roughened texture for friction, while the edge regions have smooth protective jackets that extend partially over the tension elements. This local differentiation allows the belt to have both high traction where needed and protection where vulnerable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The belt construction combines multiple materials with different properties: a core layer with tension elements for strength, a middle layer for traction with roughened surface, and outer protective jackets with smooth surfaces. This composite structure integrates the benefits of each material layer to simultaneously achieve traction and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the tension elements are directly exposed to create a traction surface, then friction characteristics are improved, but the reliability of the load bearing member decreases due to direct contact with the sheave

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction consistencyVSAvoidsheave contact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary protective jacket layer between the tension elements and the sheave contact surface. This intermediate layer transfers the contact function from the vulnerable tension elements to a dedicated protective structure, allowing the tension elements to remain protected while maintaining reliable traction through the intermediary surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a protective jacket is applied over the tension elements, then the tension elements are protected from direct contact, but the traction surface friction characteristics are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension element protectionVSAvoidtraction force

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The protective jacket is applied selectively only at the edge regions of the belt where tension elements are most vulnerable, while the central traction surface remains exposed or roughened for friction. This localized protection approach maintains the balance between protection and traction by applying protective coverage only where absolutely necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach enhances traction between the load bearing member and the traction sheave, ensuring consistent movement and placement of the elevator car by creating a tailored traction surface that optimizes friction without damaging the tension elements.

Implementation Method 1

Coating the weave fibers with a compressible coating provides an exterior surface texture defined at least in part by the weave fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A traction surface is established on at least one side of the load bearing member. The traction surface is defined by the weave fibers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10253436B2Method of making an elevator suspension and/or driving assembly having at least one traction surface defined by weave fibers

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

An illustrative example method of making an elongated load bearing member includes providing a plurality of tension elements. A plurality of weave fibers are woven together with the tension elements to thereby establish a weave. A traction surface is established on at least one side of the load bearing member. The traction surface is defined by the weave fibers. Coating the weave fibers with a compressible coating provides an exterior surface texture defined at least in part by the weave fibers.