Elevator Brake Trigger Unit With Eccentric Roller Noise Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator braking systems face issues with mechanical trigger units that are susceptible to contamination and noise generation, and electromagnetically triggered systems that are prone to malfunctions due to relative movements between the car and guide rail, leading to potential dirt accumulation and damage.

Innovation Solution

A separate release unit with a clamping roller and eccentric roller design, where the eccentric roller contacts the guide rail first, protecting the clamping roller from direct contact and minimizing noise, and a roller carriage guide ensures precise guidance of the clamping roller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex trigger unit with separate actuation elements is used to ensure reliable brake activation, then the reliability of brake activation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of brake activationVSAvoidcomplexity of trigger unit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuation elements (first and second actuation elements) into a single integrated trigger unit that acts on a common trigger lever. This merging approach maintains reliable brake activation through multiple actuation paths while reducing the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for completely separate actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be actuated by the first actuation element during normal operation and by the second actuation element during emergency situations. This multi-functionality ensures reliable brake activation across different scenarios without requiring entirely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the trigger unit is designed to be easily accessible for manual operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of trigger unitVSAvoidcomplexity of trigger unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger unit is extracted and positioned as a separate, easily accessible component within the elevator car, independent of the complex counterweight-based actuation system. This allows manual operation by passengers while maintaining the overall system architecture, balancing ease of operation with device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the trigger unit is positioned within the elevator car for passenger access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of brake activation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of trigger unitVSAvoidreliability of brake activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger unit acts as an intermediary component that can be actuated both manually from the elevator car and automatically from the counterweight machine room. This dual actuation capability ensures that passengers can operate the brake if needed, while the system maintains reliable automatic actuation paths through the first actuation element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4463410B1Trigger unit for actuating an elevator brake device
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 WITTUR HLDG GMBH
  • EP4463410B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4463410B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4463410B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a trigger unit (1) for actuating an elevator brake device (23), comprising a trigger main part (2) which can be installed on an elevator car, a trigger (20), and a coupling element (22), via which the trigger unit (1) can be connected to an elevator brake device (23). The trigger unit (1) is preferably designed as an assembly which is completely separate from the aforementioned elevator brake device (23) and which is connected to the elevator brake device (23) solely via the coupling element (22) when installed in the intended manner. The trigger unit (1) comprises a trigger clamping surface (7) which can be actuated by a trigger (20) and which, after being triggered, is moved together with a clamping roller (5) transversely to the elevator travel direction in the direction of the paired elevator guide rail (6) until the clamping roller (5) is clamped between the trigger clamping surface (7) and the elevator rail (6) and rolls between the trigger clamping surface (7) and the elevator rail (6). The invention is characterized in that at least one eccentric roller (9) is provided preferably directly next to or coaxially to the clamping roller (5), said eccentric roller having an eccentric design and being mounted so as to come into contact with the guiding rail (6) rather than with the clamping roller (5) during the course of the triggering process and so as to release the further movement of the clamping roller (5) towards the guide rail (6) only after the eccentric roller rolls on the guide rail (6).