Elevator Brake Dual Actuation for Emergency Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator brakes need to efficiently assume multiple braking functions, including holding, emergency, and safety braking, while allowing for controlled activation and deactivation, and rapid response to malfunctions like cable breaks, with varying braking power requirements.
Innovation Solution
The elevator brake system incorporates two independent actuating devices with different operational principles, one using a spindle drive with an electric motor for controlled operation and the other employing an energy store with a mechanical advancing mechanism for rapid action, along with a centering device and electromagnetic holding/catch devices for precise control and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single brake system is used to assume multiple braking functions (holding, emergency, safety braking), then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to the inability to independently test and operate different braking functions
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into two independent actuating devices (first actuating device with energy store for safety braking, second actuating device with electromagnetic release for holding and emergency braking), each capable of independent operation and testing, thereby maintaining reliability while managing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system with two actuating devices is designed to perform multiple braking functions (holding brake, emergency brake, safety brake) through a common brake lining and brake disc arrangement, allowing one system to serve multiple purposes while maintaining functional independence
2Ease of operation
If an electromagnetic holding brake is used for controlled release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the response time for emergency braking increases due to the need for electrical actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The energy store (spring) is pre-loaded in the first actuating device during normal operation, so that when safety braking is required, the brake can be activated immediately without waiting for electrical actuation, achieving rapid response while maintaining controlled operation through the electromagnetic second actuating device
3Speed
If a mechanical spring energy store is used for rapid braking, then the speed of brake activation is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous energy storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The energy store in the first actuating device is designed to be automatically recharged by the normal operation of the elevator system, where the brake lining friction and gravitational forces during elevator movement replenish the spring energy without requiring external energy input, thus achieving rapid braking capability with minimal continuous energy consumption
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 design enables the elevator brake to be effectively triggered for different braking requirements, ensuring safe and controlled operation, including rapid response in emergency situations, with energy efficiency and minimal energy consumption, while maintaining braking force without continuous power supply.
Implementation Method 1
The first actuating device comprises a first advancing device with an energy store, wherein the first advancing device advances the first brake lining towards the braking strip or the brake disc and presses it against the latter when energy stored in the energy store is released
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic holding brake is used as a holding and emergency brake
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator brake braking and holding an elevator car in an elevator system includes a first brake lining having a first actuating device and a second brake lining, which brake linings cause braking in interaction with a braking strip or brake disk. A second actuating device is associated with the second brake lining, and the second actuating device moves the second brake lining toward the first brake lining, if necessary, thus clamping and braking the braking strip or the brake disk between the second and first brake linings. The first actuating device moves the first brake lining toward the second brake lining to clamp and brake the braking strip or the brake disk between the first and second brake linings. The first and the second actuating device operate according to different principles of operation.