Dynamic and structural integrity analysis of a complete elevator system through a Mixed Computational-Experimental Finite Element Methodology

Automatic velocity measurement system applied to elevator overspeed governors

“…An overspeed governor, schematised in Figure 2, is a main elevator safety component 9 that operates when the elevator car velocity exceeds a safety limit value (tripping speed).

Figure 2.Scheme of overspeed governor. 9

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“…The principal elements are the rope sheave (1), CAM surface (2) and a blocking component (3) activated by the activation wheel (4). 9…”

“…7 In terms of elevator structural integrity, the worst loading case happens when the elevator car falls freely. 9 In the worst-case scenario, it may cause injuries to the passengers. 7…”

Optimal finite element modeling of mechanical systems with linear and nonlinear characteristics using numerical and experimental methods

“…The updated parameters of the validated numerical laboratory substructure were used in the entire elevator FE model along a series of full-scale industrial experimental trials at the worst dynamic loading case. The advantages of applying appropriate numerical and experimental methodologies in order to accurately predict the dynamic response and the identification of the critical points in an elevator system have been previously demonstrated [109]. In the same way, a comparison between numerically computed stresses at the most critical points of the entire FE model and experimentally on-site measurements, have proved to adequately correlate.…”

“…However, glass elements remain highly fragile and vulnerable in large deformations due to their brittle behavior and low tensile strength, especially at extreme loading conditions that could occur during the lifetime of the elevator system [107,108]. The most extreme loading case during an elevator's operation is when the elevator falls freely and the safety gears are activated until the elevator stops [109]. Thus, advanced numerical and experimental methods that could cope both with the intrinsic properties of glass panels and the nonlinearities of their connections to the supporting car substructure are required, in conjunction with specific fail-safe design criteria, in order to guarantee safety levels in extreme failure conditions [110,111].…”