Elevator Brake Contact Bypass for Individual Holding Brake Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator braking systems lack a reliable method to test the functionality of individual braking components, which is crucial for ensuring safety and reliability during operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for testing elevator braking systems by controllably bypassing the normally closed contacts of each brake using plug/socket connectors to transition between operational and test modes, allowing determination of the functionality of each brake based on the car's motion state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional elevator braking systems are used without individual component testing capability, then the system structure remains simple, but the reliability of individual brake components cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a testing mode switch and bypass contacts as intermediary components that enable individual brake testing without permanently altering the system structure. These intermediaries allow temporary circuit reconfiguration to isolate and test each brake component separately while maintaining the original simple braking system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the electrical circuit configuration dynamic by introducing switchable bypass contacts that can be temporarily connected during testing. This allows the circuit topology to change from normal operating configuration to testing configuration and back, enabling reliability verification without permanent structural modification.
2Reliability
If comprehensive brake testing methods are implemented, then the safety and reliability of braking components can be ensured, but the testing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking system into individually testable components by providing separate bypass contacts for each brake. This segmentation allows testers to isolate and test one brake at a time rather than requiring comprehensive system-level testing, significantly reducing the time needed while ensuring each component's reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the testing infrastructure in advance by pre-installing bypass contacts and testing mode switches within the normal system architecture. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex external testing equipment and procedural complexity during actual testing, reducing testing time while maintaining thorough verification.
3Reliability
If individual brake component testing is enabled, then the safety of each brake can be verified, but the electrical circuit configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrical contacts multi-functional by designing bypass contacts that serve dual purposes: they act as normal circuit contacts during operation and as testing switches when activated. This universality allows individual brake verification without adding dedicated separate testing circuitry, maintaining electrical circuit simplicity while enabling comprehensive reliability checking.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an elevator technology, and in particular to an elevator safety system and a method for testing functionality thereof. According one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for testing functionality of an elevator braking system. In the method described above, a first connector is connected in parallel to both ends of a first contact, then a second contact is transitioned to a disconnected state, and it is to determine whether the functionality of a second holding brake is operating normally based on the motion state of a car after the second contact is transitioned to a disconnected state. In the above method, a second connector is further connected in parallel to both ends of the second contact, then the first contact is transitioned to a disconnected state, and it is to determine whether the functionality of a first holding brake is operating normally based on the motion state of the car after the first contact is transitioned to a disconnected state.