Adjustable Elevator Safety Brake for Load-Dependent Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems experience harsh stops when few passengers are on board due to safeties engaging with deceleration designed for fully loaded conditions, causing unpleasant stops.
Innovation Solution
A braking device with a block member and first brake member, where the distance between them can be adjusted using an adjustment member, controlled by a signal responsive to the load, allowing for customized braking force based on the actual load in the elevator car.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the auxiliary brake is designed to stop the elevator car with a certain deceleration based on the assumption of full load, then the braking force is sufficient for fully loaded conditions, but the deceleration becomes excessively high and causes harsh stops when the car is lightly loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The brake block position is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the braking force to be dynamically adapted to different load conditions. The adjustment member enables changing the distance between the brake block and the sheave, thereby modulating the braking force to match actual operational conditions and avoid excessive deceleration during light-loaded stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of the brake block position (distance from sheave) is changed to adjust braking force. By modifying this geometric parameter through the adjustment member, the system adapts the braking characteristics to different load scenarios, transforming a fixed-parameter system into one that can be tuned for optimal performance.
2Device complexity
If a fixed braking force is applied regardless of load, then the brake design is simple, but the braking force cannot be optimized for different passenger loads
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system transitions from a static, fixed-braking-force design to a dynamic, adjustable system. The adjustment member introduces a degree of freedom that allows the brake block position to be modified, enabling the system to adapt to varying load conditions while maintaining structural simplicity through a single adjustable parameter.
3Ease of operation
If the brake block is positioned close to the sheave for light load conditions, then the braking force is reduced for comfort, but the braking force becomes insufficient for fully loaded conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable brake system serves multiple functions: it provides gentle braking for light-loaded conditions to ensure passenger comfort, and can be adjusted to provide stronger braking for fully loaded conditions to ensure safety. This single adjustable mechanism replaces the need for multiple fixed brake designs, achieving multi-functionality through adaptability.
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 adjustable braking system ensures a more comfortable stop for passengers by applying the ideal braking force based on the current load, reducing the severity of emergency stops.
Implementation Method 1
a braking device having a block member and a first brake member
Data Source
AI summary
A brake device having a block member, a first and second brake member movable relative to each other, and at least one adjustment member positioned between the block member and the first brake member to adjust the distance there between.