Floating Elevator Brake Support for Roller Guide Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator braking systems face challenges in independently moving the braking device from the elevator car, leading to compression of roller guides and constriction of their requirements, which complicates the design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A support member with a stepped configuration, including a parallelogram-like front portion and a quadrilateral back portion, is used to affix the braking device to the elevator car, allowing it to move independently, with a sloped slide path for the brake wedge and a return assembly for resetting, avoiding direct lateral movement transmission to the car.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the braking device is fixed to the elevator car, then the braking device can be easily mounted and positioned, but the lateral movement of the braking device during operation compresses the roller guides and constricts their requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into a fixed portion attached to the elevator car and a movable portion that can slide independently within an opening. This segmentation allows the braking device to be mounted easily (fixed portion) while the movable portion absorbs lateral movements to prevent roller guide compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support member acts as an intermediary between the fixed mounting structure and the braking device. It transfers the braking device's lateral movements independently, preventing these movements from being transmitted to the roller guides and elevator car.
2Device complexity
If the braking device is fixed to the elevator car, then the structure is simple and rigid, but the lateral movement of the braking device eliminates running clearance and pushes the braking device laterally
Solution Approach 1:
The support member transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic movable connection. The movable portion can slide within the opening to accommodate lateral movements of the braking device, maintaining running clearance while preserving structural simplicity through the sliding mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the braking device moves independently from the elevator car, then roller guide compression is prevented and design flexibility is improved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is segmented into fixed and movable portions, allowing independent movement of the braking device while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The movable portion slides within an opening, providing design flexibility without requiring complex mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the movable braking shoe is moved laterally and vertically towards the rail, then frictional engagement is achieved, but the braking device is pushed laterally, eliminating running clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support member serves as an intermediary that absorbs the lateral forces generated during braking engagement. It allows the braking shoe to move laterally and vertically for reliable frictional engagement while preventing these lateral movements from being transmitted to the stationary shoe and eliminating running clearance.
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 braking device to 'float' relative to the elevator car, preventing roller guide compression and allowing independent selection of roller guide designs, reducing complexity and part count, while ensuring smooth braking operations.
Implementation Method 1
The first inclined body surface is complementary to the first inclined opening surface and the first portion of the body is movable within the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A method of resetting a braking device includes moving an elevator car upward, sliding a support member coupled to the braking device relative to the elevator car, and moving a brake wedge of the braking device along a sloped slide path.