Elevator Caliper Brake with Tensioned Levers for Fast Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caliper brakes for elevator systems face challenges in achieving a short closing time and reliable operation, especially in emergency situations, with issues related to dragging and noise during closure, and limited durability and maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A caliper brake design featuring a first and second brake lever with adjustable tension elements, a lifting spindle drive, and biasing rollers, which allows for quick closure without dragging, maintains a consistent ventilation clearance, and ensures the brake remains closed during power failures, with a compact structure and reduced maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional caliper brake design is used with fixed brake shoes, then the structure is simple, but the closing time is long and dragging occurs during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The brake levers are designed with adjustable positions along the actuating axis through tension elements, allowing the brake shoes to dynamically adapt their position. This dynamic adjustment enables the brake shoes to approach the brake track without dragging, significantly reducing closing time from conventional values to 0.1-0.3 seconds while maintaining simple operation through spring-loaded automatic positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The tension elements can be adjusted to change the distance between brake shoes along the actuating axis, optimizing the closing characteristics. By modifying the positional parameter of brake levers, the system achieves fast closure without dragging, transforming the static brake shoe position into an adjustable parameter that optimizes performance
2Speed
If the brake shoes are positioned close to the brake track, then the closing time is reduced, but dragging and noise occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable tension elements allow the brake shoes to maintain optimal dynamic positioning - close enough to the brake track for fast closure (0.1-0.3 seconds) but with enough clearance during operation to prevent dragging. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically adjusts the position to eliminate harmful contacts while enabling rapid response
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system implements different spatial relationships at different times: during closure, brake shoes are positioned close to the track for rapid engagement; during operation, adjustable tension maintains optimal clearance to prevent dragging and noise. This localized optimization of spacing eliminates harmful effects while preserving fast response
3Ease of operation
If the brake levers are made adjustable along the actuating axis, then the ventilation clearance is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded tension elements automatically adjust and maintain optimal ventilation clearance between brake shoes and track without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates the position of brake levers along the actuating axis, providing automatic clearance maintenance that simplifies operation while the adjustment mechanism remains integrated into the brake structure
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable tension element system serves multiple functions: it optimizes ventilation clearance for heat dissipation, enables fast closure by positioning brake shoes optimally, prevents dragging during operation, and maintains consistent performance over time. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive performance improvements
4Speed
If a lifting spindle drive is added to control brake lever position, then the response time is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting spindle drive replaces complex multi-stage mechanical actuation systems with a direct, simple mechanical lifting mechanism. This substitution achieves fast response time (0.1-0.3 seconds) through direct vertical lifting of brake levers while minimizing the number of moving parts, thereby reducing overall device complexity and maintenance requirements compared to conventional hydraulic or pneumatic systems
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 enables fast and reliable operation with closing and opening times of 0.1 to 0.3 seconds, minimal noise, and a long service life, with the ability to withstand 10 million braking cycles and reduced maintenance needs, ensuring safe and efficient elevator operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one closing spring is provided which at least indirectly adjusts the first brake lever and the second brake lever relative to one another to reduce the distance between the first brake shoe and the second brake shoe
Implementation Method 2
a lifting spindle drive can be provided by which the first brake lever and the second brake lever are adjustable relative to one another to change a distance between the first brake shoe and the second brake shoe viewed along the actuating axis
Implementation Method 3
at least one tension element is provided which is adjustable at least approximately parallel to the actuating axis. The distance between the first tension element bearing point and the second tension element bearing point, which is defined by the tension element, remains constant along the actuation axis
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a caliper brake (7) for an elevator system (1), which is used in particular as a holding and safety brake, and which comprises a first brake lever (11) and a second brake lever (12), wherein a first brake pad (15) is attached to a brake-pad end (14) of the first brake lever (11); a second brake pad (17) is attached to a brake-pad end (16) of the second brake lever (12); the first brake lever (11) is mounted at a first mounting point (27); the second brake lever (12) is mounted at a second mounting point (28); and the first brake pad (15) and the second brake pad (17) can be moved relative to each other along an actuation axis (38) by means of the first brake lever (11) and the second brake lever (12). Furthermore, at least one traction element (35) is provided, which can be moved at least approximately parallel to the actuation axis (38). The first brake lever (11) is connected to the tension element (35) between the brake-pad end (14) of the first brake lever and the first mounting point (27) at a first tension element mounting point (36). The second brake lever (12) is connected to the tension element (35) between the brake-pad end (16) of the second brake lever and the second mounting point (28) at a second tension element mounting point (37). In addition, a linear spindle drive (70) is provided, by means of which the first brake lever (11) and the second brake lever (12) can be moved relative to each other in order to change the distance (55) along the actuation axis (38) between the first brake pad (15) and the second brake pad (17). Furthermore, a closing spring (50) is provided, which at least indirectly moves the first brake lever (11) and the second brake lever (12) relative to each other in order to decrease the distance (55) between the first brake pad (15) and the second brake pad (17). The linear spindle drive (70) counteracts the closing spring (50) in order to increase the distance (55) between the first brake pad (15) and the second brake pad (17).