Braking System Resetting Mechanism for Hoisted Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braking systems for hoisted structures, such as elevators and cranes, require manual and complex resetting procedures after deployment, which is tedious and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A braking system resetting mechanism that includes a brake member actuation mechanism capable of magnetically engaging a guide rail to actuate the brake member from a non-braking to a braking position, utilizing a spring-loaded lever or electromagnetic device to disengage from the guide rail during resetting, allowing for automatic return to a default state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual manipulation of the resetting device is used, then the braking system can be reset, but the procedure becomes complicated and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresetting procedureVSAvoidresetting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brake member actuation mechanism is designed to automatically reset itself through a self-service mechanism. The spring-loaded lever automatically returns the brake member to its non-braking position after engagement with the guide rail, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and simplifying the resetting procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual mechanical manipulation with an automated spring-loaded lever mechanism. The spring-loaded lever uses elastic potential energy storage and release to automatically actuate the brake member, substituting manual operation with an automated mechanical system that simplifies the resetting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If the brake member actuation mechanism magnetically engages the guide rail, then automatic actuation is achieved, but manual resetting becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake member actuationVSAvoidmanual resetting

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded lever automatically returns the brake member to its non-braking position after engagement with the guide rail, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and simplifying the resetting procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded lever is pre-positioned to automatically engage and return the brake member to its default state. The spring is pre-loaded to provide the necessary force for automatic actuation, ensuring the system is ready for immediate use after braking without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If the spring loaded lever biases the brake member actuation mechanism toward the outer location, then automatic disengagement is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake member disengagementVSAvoidspring loaded lever mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables automated and efficient resetting of the braking system, reducing manual intervention and simplifying the process, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a brake member actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the brake member and configured to magnetically engage the guide rail to actuate the brake member from the non-braking position to the braking position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic engagement: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a spring loaded lever operatively coupled to the outer structure and configured to engage the brake member actuation mechanism during a resetting operation, wherein the spring loaded lever biases the brake member actuation mechanism toward the outer location of the slot of the outer structure to disengage the brake member actuation mechanism from the guide rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring loading: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10494227B2Braking system resetting mechanism for a hoisted structure

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

A braking system resetting mechanism for a hoisted structure includes a guide rail (14) and a brake member (10). Also included is a brake member actuation mechanism (12) operatively coupled to the brake member and configured to magnetically engage the guide rail to actuate the brake member from a non-braking position to a braking position. Further included is an outer structure having a slot (64) configured to guide the brake member actuation mechanism, wherein the slot includes a first angled region and a second angled region that intersect at an outer location. Also included is a spring loaded lever (202) operatively coupled to the outer structure and configured to engage the brake member actuation mechanism during a resetting operation, wherein the spring loaded lever biases the brake member actuation mechanism toward the outer location of the slot of the outer structure to disengage the brake member actuation mechanism from the guide rail.