Woven Elevator Load-Bearing Member for Consistent Sheave Traction
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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 like roughened surfaces may not consistently provide optimal friction characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An elongated elevator load bearing member is created with a plurality of tension elements woven with transverse weave fibers to establish a traction surface, which defines the friction characteristics and ensures proper engagement with the traction sheave, using various weave patterns and materials like elastomers to enhance traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a roughened surface is used on the elevator belt to provide friction characteristics, then traction between the belt and traction sheave is improved, but the consistency and reliability of friction characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different regions of the belt by weaving fibers with specific properties (such as elastomeric fibers with high friction coefficients) into the belt structure at the traction surface, while other regions maintain their original construction. This localized modification ensures consistent friction characteristics where needed without compromising the overall belt performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a composite structure by integrating fibers with different material properties (such as natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or elastomeric fibers) into the belt construction. This composite approach combines the load-bearing capacity of the core structure with the friction-enhancing properties of the woven fibers, providing both traction and consistency.
2Device complexity
If tension elements are directly exposed to contact with the traction sheave, then structural simplicity is improved, but protection of tension elements from wear and damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a woven fiber layer as an intermediary between the tension elements and the external environment. This fiber layer acts as a protective barrier that reduces direct contact between the tension elements and the traction sheave or other external factors, thereby minimizing wear and damage while maintaining the structural integrity and simplicity of the overall design.
3Force
If weave fibers are woven with tension elements to define a traction surface, then friction characteristics and traction are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the traction surface formation and tension element integration into a single woven structure. By weaving the friction-enhancing fibers together with the tension elements during the manufacturing process, the patent eliminates the need for separate steps to create the traction surface, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the sophisticated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The woven fiber layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides friction enhancement for traction, protects the tension elements from wear, and maintains the structural integrity of the belt. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components or processing steps, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 woven fabric design effectively transmits traction forces and maintains the tension elements in position, providing consistent and desired friction characteristics that enhance the movement and placement of the elevator car, while protecting the tension elements from direct contact with the sheave.
Implementation Method 1
achieve a desired amount of traction between the belt and a traction sheave that causes movement of the belt and thus the elevator car
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of weave fibers transverse to the tension elements are woven with the tension elements
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary elongated elevator load bearing member of a traction elevator system includes a plurality of tension elements. A plurality of weave fibers transverse to the tension elements are woven with the tension elements. The weave fibers define at least one traction surface of the load bearing member.