In today's residential, commercial, and office structures, where tall buildings are constructed due to the high population density, the use of elevators as a fast, safe, and convenient means of transportation takes top priority. Elevators consist of various components that collectively define the concept of an elevator. This article focuses on examining one of these components, the elevator buffer:

Concept of Elevator Buffer:

The safety and well-being of elevator users are of utmost importance, so paying close attention to achieving this goal when purchasing an elevator is crucial. The elevator safety system is comprised of components such as:
- Safety brake or parachute
- Elevator buffer

The elevator buffer, as implied by its name, is one of the safety system components and part of the braking system. When the elevator and cabin encounter unintended impacts or malfunctions, the elevator buffer is utilized as the last line of defense to prevent life-threatening damages.

They are located in the elevator shaft at the bottom of the cabin and the counterweight vertically. Typically made of resilient vibration-resistant materials, they effectively perform their duty when the elevator accelerates rapidly, creating an impact.

Types of Elevator Buffers

As previously mentioned, selecting suitable materials for manufacturing buffers that possess vibration-resistant properties against impacts and vibrations is crucial. Materials such as rubber, steel, and hydraulic fluids, for example, are highly suitable.

Buffers come in different types based on speed, capacity, and elevator design. The most important ones include:

1. Vibrational Buffers: Made of plastic, these buffers have vibration-resistant properties. They are installed as rod-like structures within the elevator frame. By absorbing and reducing the transmission of vibrations and unwanted oscillations to the building, these buffers secure the elevator against resulting damages.

2. Spring Buffers: As implied by the name, this type of buffer utilizes pressure or tension springs in strategic locations such as under the elevator cabin. These buffers perform their duty by absorbing and releasing impact energy.

3. Polyurethane Buffers: Widely favored in the elevator industry, these buffers should have safety and authenticity certificates to obtain elevator standard certification. These soft and firm foams are used in elevators with low speeds. The use of spring, rubber, and polyurethane buffers is suitable when the speed is less than 1 meter per second.

4. Hydraulic Buffers: These buffers use hydraulic fluids and oil. They are commonly employed in freight elevators, protecting the elevator by dissipating energy against damages. Impacts and forces are absorbed and expanded by the oil. They function similarly to hydraulic elevator systems, and this type is used in elevators with various nominal speeds.

After selecting the design materials and proper calculations, the importance of correct installation cannot be overstated. Buffer dimensions, shapes, and configurations must be suitable for the elevator's characteristics, building requirements, and standards and regulations. For these reasons, the design and installation operations should be carried out by reputable elevator companies.

After preparing the elevator shaft pit and concrete floor by the technical team, the buffer or elevator buffer is installed on the buffer platform or the elevator pit floor scaffold. Its minimum height should be 50 centimeters, and the platforms should have a designated section for the refuge of service personnel, compliant with the relevant standards.

Importance of Elevator Buffers

Elevator buffers are among the most crucial components of elevators, ensuring the safety of individuals and users. The key reasons for their use include:

1. Elevator Protection
2. Passenger Safety
3. Preservation of the Building

Utilizing buffers and shock absorbers allows for resistance against unintended impacts. They aid in reducing maintenance and repairs while preserving their integrity and proper functionality. In essence, by absorbing and dissipating energy, they help individuals inside the cabin experience less harm during incidents, and the adverse effects on the building are minimized.

Service and Maintenance of Elevator Buffers

Buffers, recognized as the last safety system of an elevator, need periodic inspection and verification when none of the other components are operational to prevent damage to the cabin. This inspection and maintenance should be carried out by specialized and experienced service technicians, covering the following aspects:

- Visual Inspection
- Performance Evaluation and Testing

Initially, service technicians inspect elevator components, especially buffers. During elevator movement, they examine its behavior and response, ensuring that the elevator stops correctly and the impact force is adequately discharged. They evaluate how the building reacts to the impact force, and more.

Afterward, they check the pressure of the buffers to ensure proper adjustment and correct energy absorption. In the case of rubber, spring, or polyurethane buffers, they must be in good condition. If worn and in need of replacement, they are substituted. For hydraulic buffers, oil and filters are inspected and replaced to ensure proper functioning. Following these steps, performance tests are conducted with appropriate loads, and the results are documented.

The significance of using service contracts and relying on reputable and specialized elevator companies for these matters cannot be overstated. Owjlift Company, with technical support and 24/7 Owj Service, is at your service for these crucial aspects.

Conclusion

Elevator buffers play a vital role in safeguarding and enhancing the performance of elevators. Their installation enables elevators to resist unintended impacts and prevent damage from unforeseen accidents. Additionally, by reducing the transfer of shock, they contribute to the safety of individuals and the preservation of the building. Therefore, using elevator buffers as a suitable and effective solution improves the performance and safety of elevators.

Owjlift Company, with its illustrious history in designing, installing, and operating various elevators and escalators, using high-quality components and holding official permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and being an official member of the Elevator Syndicate, is ready to provide free consultation services to valued clients and property owners. For more information, contact our experts.