Elevator Braking Device Hydraulic Unit Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator braking systems require significant space for hydraulic components and have complex configurations, leading to reduced operational reliability and increased weight, energy consumption, and reaction times.

Innovation Solution

A compact hydraulic unit integrated within the braking device, comprising a pump assembly, brake cylinder assembly, and valve assembly, eliminates the need for separate pumps and connecting lines, utilizing a spring-loaded piston for pressure regulation and a 3/2-way valve for simple and redundant operation, minimizing space and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a motor pump and connecting lines are used to generate hydraulic pressure for the brake, then the brake can be vented during normal operation, but the installation space requirement increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake venting reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the pump assembly, brake cylinder assembly, and valve assembly into a single hydraulic unit that is directly attached to the brake device. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate pump assembly and connecting lines, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining the brake venting function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic unit is integrated into the braking device with the pump assembly, brake cylinder assembly, and valve assembly housed in a common casing. This nested arrangement allows the hydraulic components to be contained within the existing brake structure, minimizing additional installation space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Power

If hydraulic lines are used to connect the pump assembly to the brake, then hydraulic pressure can be transmitted, but the required minimum operating oil quantity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic pressure transmissionVSAvoidoperating oil quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the connecting lines from the hydraulic system by integrating the pump assembly directly into the brake device. This extraction of the intermediate hydraulic lines reduces the volume of hydraulic oil required to fill the system while maintaining effective pressure transmission to the brake

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Power

If separate pump assembly and connecting lines are used, then hydraulic pressure can be generated and transmitted, but the weight of the braking device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic pressure generationVSAvoidbraking device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pump assembly, brake cylinder assembly, and valve assembly into a single integrated hydraulic unit attached to the brake device. This merging eliminates redundant components and connecting hardware, thereby reducing the overall weight of the braking device while maintaining hydraulic pressure generation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If a compact hydraulic unit is used, then installation space and weight are reduced, but the response time must be minimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidhydraulic response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the connecting lines that would introduce delays in hydraulic oil flow. By integrating the pump assembly directly into the brake device, the hydraulic oil can be supplied immediately to the brake cylinder without traveling through external lines, thus minimizing response time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic unit is pre-integrated into the brake device with the pump assembly positioned to directly supply hydraulic oil to the brake cylinder assembly. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when braking is required, the hydraulic oil is already in position and can act immediately on the brake piston

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

5Area of stationary object

If the hydraulic unit is integrated into the braking device, then installation space is minimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidhydraulic unit integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the braking device into distinct functional modules: the brake device itself, and the integrated hydraulic unit containing the pump assembly, brake cylinder assembly, and valve assembly. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing and assembly while minimizing installation space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces installation space, weight, energy consumption, and reaction times while increasing operational reliability by integrating the hydraulic components and using a submersible pump and redundant valve system, ensuring efficient and reliable braking.

Implementation Method 1

The pump assembly provides the hydraulic pressure necessary for operating the brake to keep it open (venting)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The spring-loaded piston in the cylinder of the brake cylinder assembly ensures that in the event of a pressure loss in the cylinder, the spring relaxes, thus venting the brake

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

at least one valve connects the first chamber of the cylinder to the hydraulic power unit, supplying hydraulic oil to vent the brake

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3126275B1Elevator having a braking device
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR AG (DE)
  • EP3126275B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3126275B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3126275B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an elevator (2) having a braking device (14), in particular a safety brake or service brake, the braking device (14) having a hydraulic brake (30) for slowing down and/or stopping a cab (4) of the elevator (2) and a hydraulic unit (16) that has a pump assembly (20), a brake cylinder assembly (24) and a valve assembly (26) for ventilating the brake (30), and the hydraulic unit (16) being fastened to the braking device (14). Such a hydraulic unit (16) is also part of the invention.