The spelling of "gearless traction" may seem daunting to some, but it can be easily deciphered using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. "Gearless" is pronounced /ˈɡɪərləs/, with the first syllable stressed and ending in a schwa sound. "Traction" is pronounced /ˈtrækʃən/, also with a stressed first syllable and ending in a sh sound. Putting the two together, "gearless traction" is pronounced /ˈɡɪərləs ˈtrækʃən/. This term refers to a mechanism or system that provides motion or drive without the use of gears.
Gearless traction refers to a specific type of elevator system that operates without traditional gears and gearboxes. It utilizes a direct drive motor, usually a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), to generate motion and generate traction force required for vertical transportation within a building.
In a gearless traction system, the motor is directly connected to the elevator's drive sheave through a coupling or belt. The drive sheave acts as a pulley, which is responsible for guiding and supporting the elevator cables or belts. As the motor rotates, the drive sheave moves the cables to raise or lower the elevator car.
The absence of gears in a gearless traction system offers several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the noise, vibrations, and energy losses associated with mechanical gear systems, resulting in a smoother and quieter ride. Secondly, the direct drive concept increases the system's efficiency and reduces power consumption compared to traditional geared systems.
Gearless traction systems are predominantly found in high-rise buildings with long travel distances where their higher efficiency and smoother operation are significant advantages. Additionally, their compact design allows for more efficient use of available space. However, gearless traction systems require careful maintenance and monitoring due to the complexity and sensitivity of the direct drive setup. Nevertheless, their benefits in terms of energy efficiency and comfort make them a popular choice in modern vertical transportation systems.
The etymology of the word "gearless traction" can be understood by breaking down the individual components:
1. Gear: The word "gear" dates back to the 14th century and derives from the Old Norse word "gervi" meaning "something made", which later evolved into "gier" meaning "equipment" or "apparatus".
2. Less: The suffix "-less" in "gearless" means "without" or "devoid of". It is derived from Old English and Middle English and has been used to form negative or opposite words.
3. Traction: The word "traction" comes from the Latin word "tractio", which means "a drawing" or "pulling". It entered English in the 17th century and originally referred to the action of drawing or pulling something.