Elevator Safety Actuator Solenoid Sensing Without Impact Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic safety actuators for elevator safety brakes face wear and maintenance issues due to the high-stress testing process, which involves impacting a magnet against a rail, leading to component wear and mechanical switch degradation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a second solenoid and a detector to apply and detect electrical signals between the solenoids, allowing for the assessment of the magnet's position and wear without deploying it against the rail, thereby reducing wear and extending the actuator's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the actuator is tested by triggering and resetting (impelling magnet against rail), then the system functionality is verified, but the components undergo high stresses and wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionality verificationVSAvoidcomponent lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a mechanical switch that detects the magnet's position through contactless means (magnetic field detection) rather than requiring the magnet to physically return to its starting position. This creates a copy of the position information without the need for the full mechanical cycle, reducing wear on both the magnet and rail while still verifying system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical impact-based testing method with an electrical/electronic detection system. The mechanical switch detects magnetic field changes to determine magnet position, substituting the harsh mechanical impact cycle with a gentler electromagnetic detection process that verifies functionality without causing wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the magnet is impelled against the rail for testing, then the actuator engagement is confirmed, but mechanical wear and switch degradation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator position detectionVSAvoidmechanical wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical position detection (physical contact switches) with magnetic field-based detection. The mechanical switch senses changes in magnetic field strength to determine whether the magnet is in the engaged or disengaged position, eliminating the need for mechanical impacts against the rail while maintaining precise position detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the magnetic field as an intermediary between the magnet and the detection system. Instead of direct mechanical contact between the detection mechanism and moving parts, the magnetic field serves as a mediator that carries position information to the mechanical switch, reducing mechanical wear while enabling accurate position measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This method decreases wear and tear on the electronic safety actuator components, enhancing safety and longevity by allowing for non-impactful testing and monitoring of the solenoid and magnet's condition, thus improving the reliability of the elevator safety brake system.

Implementation Method 1

a detector arranged to apply an electrical signal to one of the first solenoid and the second solenoid, and to detect an electrical signal induced in the other of the first solenoid and the second solenoid as a result of the applied electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first solenoid; a magnet, movable by the first solenoid between a first position proximate to the first solenoid and a second position distal from the first solenoid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11901121B2Electronic safety actuator and method of condition or state detection

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

An electronic safety actuator (1) for an elevator safety brake, includes a first solenoid (2), a magnet (3), movable by the first solenoid (2) between a first position proximate to the first solenoid (2) and a second position distal from the first solenoid (2) a second solenoid (6) and a detector (8). The detector (8) is arranged to apply an electrical signal to one of the first solenoid (2) and the second solenoid (6), and to detect an electrical signal induced in the other of the first solenoid (2) and the second solenoid (6) as a result of the applied electrical signal. There is also provided a method of detecting a condition or state of the first solenoid (2) or the magnet (3).