Elevator Safety Brake Actuator Shielding Foreign Object Intrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Safety brake actuators in elevator systems face reliability issues due to foreign objects entering the clearance gap between the actuator and the guide rail, which can impede the proper operation of the safety brake, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an object-diverting arrangement, such as a magnet or structural barrier, positioned relative to the clearance gap to prevent or capture foreign objects, thereby ensuring reliable operation of the safety brake actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clearance gap between the safety brake actuator and the guide rail is maintained for proper operation, then the actuator can function correctly, but foreign objects can enter the clearance gap and impede operation
Solution Approach 1:
A protective barrier or cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the clearance gap and the external environment. This barrier prevents foreign objects from entering the clearance gap while allowing the actuator to maintain its operational clearance with the guide rail, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and foreign object protection
2Speed
If the safety brake actuator is positioned close to the guide rail for effective operation, then braking performance is improved, but the risk of foreign object interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented into multiple components including a cover with openings positioned at specific locations. These openings allow the actuator to engage the guide rail effectively while the segmented cover structure prevents foreign objects from reaching the critical clearance gap area
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 object-diverting arrangement effectively prevents foreign objects from entering the clearance gap, ensuring the safety brake actuator operates reliably and preventing potential interference with the actuation mechanism, thus enhancing the overall safety and reliability of the elevator system.
Implementation Method 1
an object-diverting arrangement, such as a magnet or structural barrier, positioned relative to the clearance gap to prevent or capture foreign objects
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An elevator system (50) comprises a guide rail (56; 110), an elevator car (54), a safety brake actuator (100; 200; 300; 400) and a safety brake (58). The safety brake actuator (100; 200; 300; 400) and the safety brake (58) are mounted to the elevator car (54) to move along the guide rail (56; 110) with the elevator car (54) in use. The safety brake actuator (100; 200; 300; 400) comprises an actuation mechanism (102) configured in use to actuate the engagement of the safety brake (58) against the guide rail (56; 110). The safety brake actuator (100; 200; 300; 400) also comprises a proximal surface (117; 203; 302), wherein the safety brake actuator (100; 200; 300; 400) is mounted adjacent to the guide rail (56; 110) with the proximal surface (117; 203; 302) facing the guide rail (56; 110) and spaced from the guide rail (56; 110) to define a clearance gap (118) between the guide rail (56; 110) and the proximal surface (117; 203; 302) of the safety brake actuator (100; 200; 300; 400). The safety brake actuator (100; 200; 300; 400) also comprises an object-diverting arrangement (122; 204; 304; 402) positioned relative to the clearance gap (118) to prevent or impede the entry of foreign objects into the clearance gap (118).