Balancer Centrifugal Locking Element Prevents Cable Jolts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balancer emergency braking systems can cause abrupt cable braking, leading to jolts and potential damage when only part of the load is detached, as they lack sufficient counterforce to manage inertia and rotational forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A balancer with a centrifugal force-actuated locking element that engages with a stationary stop to block the cable drum's rotation, remaining locked even after initial engagement, and requires manual unlocking, ensuring the locking element remains in the deployed position to prevent unintended re-engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded locking element is used that automatically returns to freewheeling position when load is present, then the balancer can automatically resume operation when load is reattached, but the locking element may disengage under inertial forces when only part of the load is detached, causing abrupt braking and jolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterforce element (spring or weight) that provides a constant opposing force to the centrifugal force acting on the locking element. This counterforce ensures that the locking element remains engaged unless the centrifugal force exceeds a predetermined threshold, preventing disengagement under inertial loads while allowing automatic resumption when normal operation resumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of force balance by introducing a counterforce that modifies the net force acting on the locking element. This creates a new equilibrium state where the locking element remains engaged under a broader range of operating conditions, including partial load detachment, while still allowing automatic disengagement when the load is fully reattached.
2Reliability
If the locking element is held in deployed position after triggering, then abrupt acceleration of the cable end is prevented, but the device requires manual unlocking and cannot automatically resume operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the locking element's position dynamic by allowing it to move between engaged and disengaged states based on the operating conditions. The locking element automatically engages when centrifugal force exceeds the counterforce threshold and can automatically disengage when the load is reattached and normal operation resumes, providing both safety and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be self-regulating, automatically engaging and disengaging based on the forces acting on the cable drum. The system serves itself by using the operational forces (centrifugal force during rapid rotation, load force during normal operation) to control the locking element's position without requiring external control systems or manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking element disengages when inertial forces from partial load detachment act on the cable drum, then the balancer can adapt to varying load conditions, but the cable end accelerates abruptly causing jolts and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the locking element in an engaged state before inertial forces can cause abrupt acceleration. The counterforce element is designed to maintain engagement under expected inertial loads, preventing the harmful effect before it occurs. Only when the inertial forces exceed the counterforce threshold does the locking element disengage, minimizing the risk of cable damage.
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 solution effectively prevents sudden acceleration of the cable end by maintaining the locking action, reducing the risk of jolts and damage by ensuring the locking element remains engaged until manually unlocked, thus providing stable braking even when only part of the load is detached.
Implementation Method 1
can be moved into a deployed locking position in a manner which is actuated by centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
is held in a freewheeling position in a spring-loaded manner
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a balancer (1) for raising, holding and lowering a load, comprising a cable drum (7) which can be rotated in a manner actuated by pressure medium and has a cable for bearing the load, which cable can be unwound from and wound onto said cable drum (7), and has a device for emergency braking of the cable drum (7) if a defined rotational speed is exceeded, which device for emergency braking comprises at least one locking element (16) which is fastened to the cable drum (7), is held in a freewheeling position in a spring-loaded manner and can be moved into a deployed locking position in a manner which is actuated by centrifugal force, in which locking position the rotation of the cable drum (7) is blocked by virtue of the fact that the locking element (16) is in engagement with a stop which is stationary relative to the cable drum (7). The balancer (1) according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that, after its triggering, the locking element (16) is held in a deployed position when said locking element (16) and the stop which interacts with it move out of engagement.