Elevator Safety Brake Actuation Without Mechanical Linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional elevator overspeed safety systems rely on mechanical linkages that can be cumbersome and less efficient in detecting and responding to overspeed events, particularly in electrical systems without physical linkages across the car.
Innovation Solution
An electrical overspeed safety system utilizing a roller guide actuator module with a connecting link that engages a safety brake with the guide rail, where the actuator module includes a first disc that rotates to wind the connecting link around a reel, activated by a magnetic field or mechanical engagement, allowing simultaneous engagement of safety brakes without mechanical linkages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical linkages are used to engage safety brakes, then the safety system can stop the elevator car during overspeed events, but the system becomes cumbersome and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages with an electrical control system. The governor detects overspeed conditions and sends electrical signals to actuators that engage the safety brakes independently on each guide rail. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages spanning the car width, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable brake engagement through electrical actuation.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages span the width of the elevator car to link opposing sides, then simultaneous engagement of safety brakes is achieved, but the system becomes more cumbersome and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The safety brake system is segmented into independent units on each guide rail side. Each side has its own actuator that can be independently controlled by the electrical system. This segmentation allows simultaneous engagement of both brakes through coordinated electrical actuation without requiring physical linkages to connect the two sides, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining simultaneous braking capability.
3Device complexity
If electrical overspeed safety systems are used without typical linkages, then the system becomes less cumbersome, but the reliability of simultaneous brake engagement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical control system incorporates feedback mechanisms to ensure reliable simultaneous brake engagement. The governor continuously monitors speed and sends actuation signals to both actuators in response to overspeed detection. The system provides electrical feedback control that coordinates both sides independently, ensuring synchronized brake engagement without mechanical linkages, thereby maintaining reliability while simplifying the structure.
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 more reliable and responsive braking mechanism, capable of effectively stopping an elevator car during overspeed events by eliminating the need for physical linkages and enhancing the reliability of the lifting force applied to the safety brake.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator module includes a first disc that rotates to wind the connecting link around a reel
Implementation Method 2
activated by a magnetic field or mechanical engagement
Data Source
AI summary
Elevator systems are provided. The elevator systems include a traveling component movable along a guide rail within an elevator shaft, the traveling component comprising a roller guide moveably engageable with the guide rail and an overspeed safety system. The overspeed safety system includes an actuator module operably coupled to the roller guide and a safety brake operably connected to the actuator module by a connecting link, wherein a safety brake element of the safety brake is operable to engage with the guide rail to stop movement of the traveling component.