Elevator Brake Disc Structure for Balanced Low-Cost Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator braking devices face challenges in cost, complexity, and installation space, with cheap block brakes providing one-way braking pressure that can overburden machinery, while disc brakes, offering balanced pressure, are too expensive for cost-sensitive environments.

Innovation Solution

An elevator braking device with a brake disc having opposite sides, featuring a body, support member, guide member, and friction members that move under control of a force supply and electromagnetic system to provide braking in one state and release in another, reducing component count and cost while ensuring balanced load distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a block brake is used to provide one-way braking pressure, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the load on the motor rotor and bracket increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking device structureVSAvoidload on motor rotor and bracket

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The braking force is segmented into two separate friction members (first friction member and second friction member) that act on opposite sides of the brake disc. Each friction member applies braking force independently, dividing the total braking load into two separate force paths that do not concentrate on a single structural component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second friction member acts as a counterbalancing element to the first friction member. When both friction members are engaged, their braking forces act in opposite directions on the brake disc, creating a balanced force system where the reaction forces counterbalance each other, significantly reducing the net load on the motor rotor and bracket.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Force

If a disc brake is used to provide balanced braking pressure, then the load on machinery equipment is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload on machinery equipmentVSAvoidbraking device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The disc brake structure is segmented into two independent friction members that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows the system to achieve balanced braking forces while maintaining a simpler overall structure compared to traditional disc brakes, as each friction member can be designed and positioned independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The braking system is designed to be dynamic, allowing selective engagement of the first and second friction members. The control portion can independently activate each friction member based on operational requirements, enabling the system to adapt between balanced braking mode (both members engaged) and simplified braking mode (one member engaged), thus reducing complexity when full balance is not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If a disc brake is used to provide balanced braking pressure, then the load on machinery equipment is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload on machinery equipmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system uses two separate friction members instead of a single complex disc brake assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost while achieving the balanced braking effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The friction members are designed as simpler, more cost-effective components compared to traditional disc brake assemblies. By using basic friction blocks that can be easily replaced rather than complex disc brake mechanisms, the system achieves balanced braking at a lower manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 effectively reduces component complexity, saves space, lowers costs, and ensures reliable operation across various environments, making it suitable for diverse elevator applications.

Implementation Method 1

the electromagnetic member provides an electromagnetic force to overcome the acting force and move the moving member towards the fixed member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the first friction member is in contact with the first side and provides a reaction force to move the body towards the second side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20240067498A1Elevator braking device and elevator system

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

An elevator braking device includes a body, with its interior accommodating at least a part of a brake disc, and a support member axially fixed relative to the brake disc; a guide member connected to the support member, wherein the body is movable relative to the brake disc along the guide member; a first friction member and a control portion which are arranged inside the body and adjacent to a first side of the brake disc, wherein a part of the control portion is connected to the body, and the first friction member moves along the guide member under control of the control portion to be in contact with the first side to perform a braking operation in a first state, and to be out of contact with the first side in a second state, respectively.