Centrifugal Positive Blocking Brake for Shutter Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal brakes for shutter drives are either energy-consuming, noisy, require significant mounting space, or suffer from wear issues, and fail to provide a reliable, low-wear, and low-noise solution for locking and decoupling functions.
Innovation Solution
A novel centrifugal positive blocking brake design featuring a turntable with a groove-like recess, preloaded central spring element, and radially movable spring forks with wedge-shaped surfaces, coupled with engaging tab elements and centrifugal blocks that engage with a detent disc for frictional locking, allowing for fast locking and release without auxiliary energy, minimizing noise and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If electromagnetic or electromechanical brakes are used for shutter drives, then sufficient braking torque can be achieved, but additional energy is consumed and considerable switching noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic and electromechanical braking systems with a purely mechanical centrifugal brake system. The brake uses centrifugal force generated by rotating masses to actuate brake blocks against a brake drum, eliminating the need for additional electrical energy consumption while maintaining sufficient braking torque through mechanical force multiplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system is designed to be self-actuating through centrifugal force generated during normal operation. The rotating elements automatically generate the force needed to engage the brake blocks when the shutter reaches a certain speed, without requiring external energy input or control systems.
2Force
If electromagnetic or electromechanical brakes are used for shutter drives, then sufficient braking torque can be achieved, but considerable switching noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates electromagnetic actuators and replaces them with a mechanically self-actuating centrifugal system. The centrifugal force generated during rotation naturally actuates the brake blocks without electromagnetic switching, thereby eliminating the considerable switching noise associated with electromagnetic brake systems.
3Force
If conventional centrifugal brakes with brake drums are used, then braking function is achieved, but large mounting space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The brake components are nested within the existing shutter drive structure. The brake blocks are positioned to engage with the brake drum in a compact arrangement that utilizes the available space within the shutter housing, eliminating the need for additional external mounting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system transitions from a conventional axial arrangement requiring significant axial space to a radial arrangement where brake blocks engage the drum radially. This dimensional change allows the braking function to be achieved within the existing radial clearance of the shutter drive, minimizing additional mounting space requirements.
4Reliability
If frictional blocking brakes are used for locking, then locking function is achieved, but wear occurs during frequent actuation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using frictional contact for locking, the patent employs positive mechanical engagement through interlocking teeth or lugs on the brake blocks and brake drum. This inversion from friction-based to tooth-based engagement eliminates wear during frequent actuation while maintaining reliable locking function.
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 provides a compact, low-noise, and low-wear centrifugal brake that ensures permanent locking of shutters when de-energized and rapid release when energized, operating passively with minimized power consumption and extended service life.
Implementation Method 1
A novel centrifugal positive blocking brake design featuring a turntable with a groove-like recess, preloaded central spring element, and radially movable spring forks with wedge-shaped surfaces
Implementation Method 2
From a defined rotational speed, the centrifugal blocks start moving radially outwards from their rest position as a result of the centrifugal force acting on them
Implementation Method 3
Radially outwards, the spring forks are preferably wedge-shaped and a wedge surface. The wedge surface serve as an abutment, acting as a radial centring stop in connection with equally wedge-shaped surfaces formed in the turntable towards the outer edge
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a centrifugal positive blocking brake for shutter drives. The brake includes centrifugal blocks, central spring element, and a drive motor comprising a drive shaft. A turntable is coupled with the drive shaft. The central spring element having a preloaded spring is centrifugally guided in a recess of the turntable. Either side of the spring is connected with a radially movable engaging tab element. Two different radially acting abutments are disposed on the central spring element and are movable towards recess. The engaging tab element has at least one engaging tab pointing radially inwards. The centrifugal block is attached to the engaging tab element. In the de-energized state of the drive motor, the engaging tab elements together with the centrifugal blocks disposed on them engage into detents of a frame-fixed detent disc with at least one engaging tab in a frictionally and positively locking manner. When voltage is applied and the drive motor starts, the engaging tabs disengage, the individual centres of mass of the central spring element, preloaded spring, the engaging tab element, the engaging tab, and two centrifugal block parts are on one symmetry axis. This invention creates a centrifugal positive blocking brake which is small in size and constructively simple and causes locking of the shutter when de-energized.