Elevator Safety Actuator Solenoid Wear Detection Without Impact Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic safety actuators for elevator safety brakes face challenges in monitoring the state and wear of solenoids without causing high stress and wear through traditional testing methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a second solenoid and a detector that applies an electrical signal to one solenoid and detects the induced signal in the other, allowing for the determination of the solenoid's condition and wear without physically moving the magnet against the guide rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional testing methods are used to monitor solenoid state and wear, then the monitoring function is achieved, but high stress and wear are caused to the actuator components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical testing methods (physically moving the magnet against the guide rail) with an electrical field-based detection method. A detection solenoid generates an electrical signal that interacts with the magnet through electromagnetic fields, allowing state monitoring without mechanical contact or physical movement, thereby eliminating wear caused by traditional mechanical testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection solenoid as an intermediary device between the controller and the magnet. This detection solenoid serves as a mediator that can sense the magnet's position and state through electromagnetic interaction without requiring direct mechanical contact or high-stress physical manipulation of the actuator components.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical switches are used to detect magnet position, then position detection is achieved, but wear of the mechanical switch occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with an electrical field-based detection system. The detection solenoid uses electromagnetic fields to sense the magnet's position without mechanical contact, eliminating wear on switching components while maintaining precise position detection capability through electrical signal measurement.
3Reliability
If the magnet is physically moved against the guide rail for testing, then actuator functionality is verified, but high impacts and stress are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical impact-based functionality verification with electrical field interaction. By using a detection solenoid to generate electrical signals that interact with the magnet through electromagnetic fields, the system can verify actuator functionality without causing high impacts or stress to the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by employing a detection solenoid that generates electrical signals sufficient for detection purposes without the excessive force needed for mechanical actuation. This partial electrical interaction provides adequate functionality verification without the harmful excessive mechanical stress of traditional testing.
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 approach reduces wear and stress on the electronic safety actuator, increases its safety and lifetime, and provides a reliable method for monitoring the state and wear of the solenoid without the need for high-stress testing.
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
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic safety actuator (1) for an elevator safety brake, comprises 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).