Elevator Braking Mechanism Using Guide Rails for Emergency Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face challenges in effectively engaging braking mechanisms during rare events like earthquakes, leading to increased costs and mass requirements due to redundant braking systems.
Innovation Solution
The elevator system incorporates a dual braking mechanism with retainer members and braking pads on opposite sides of the elevator car, capable of engaging braking surfaces in opposite directions to safely stop the elevator car in case of guidance disengagement or failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant braking systems are added to handle rare guidance failures, then safety is improved, but system cost and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding devices are designed to perform dual functions: normal guidance during operation and braking during emergencies. The same structural components that guide the elevator car along the rails also serve as braking surfaces when engaged by the retainer members, eliminating the need for separate redundant braking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The braking function is merged with the existing guidance structure. The retainer members, which are part of the guidance device assembly, engage directly with the guidance rails to provide braking force, combining what would traditionally be separate guidance and braking systems into a unified structure
2Reliability
If redundant braking systems are added to handle rare guidance failures, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding devices are designed to perform dual functions: normal guidance during operation and braking during emergencies. The same structural components that guide the elevator car along the rails also serve as braking surfaces when engaged by the retainer members, eliminating the need for separate redundant braking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own guidance structure to provide braking capability. The retainer members are spring-loaded to automatically engage the guidance rails when the guiding devices become disengaged or fail, allowing the guidance system to serve its own safety needs without external redundant 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
This solution provides a cost-effective and efficient braking system that can engage braking surfaces in opposite directions, effectively stopping the elevator car during guidance occurrences without the need for excessive mass or motor modifications, enhancing safety and reducing overall system costs.
Implementation Method 1
a braking pad configured to engage the braking surface
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system including a hoistway, an elevator car disposed in the hoistway, the elevator car including a first braking device configured to engage a first braking surface in a first direction in the event of a guidance occurrence, and a second braking device configured to engage a second braking surface in a second direction in the event of the guidance occurrence.