Elevator Parking Brake Linkage for Compact Stable Rail Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator braking devices are complex, require significant space, and cause instability and wear due to their design, particularly when compensating for weight changes during loading and unloading, necessitating a compact and efficient solution for stopping an elevator car at a stopping place.
Innovation Solution
A braking device with two limbs hingedly connected to transmission and pressure levers, and an actuating element like a crank rod, allowing for a compact arrangement that converts tensile force into compressive force to absorb load changes, featuring a planar lever arrangement with parallel rotational axes and adjustable brake pads for optimal friction generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional braking devices with multiple levers and centralized brake arms are used, then braking function is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device is divided into two independent braking units, each with its own limb and actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows each unit to function independently while simplifying the overall structure compared to centralized brake arm designs with multiple interconnected levers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex system of transmission levers and centralized actuation, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple limb structure with direct actuation. The brake shoe is positioned at the end of the limb, creating a straightforward lever mechanism that eliminates the need for multiple intermediate levers.
2Force
If conventional braking devices with multiple levers are used, then braking force is generated, but the device requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The limb is designed to extend in multiple dimensions, allowing the brake shoe to reach the guide rail while maintaining a compact overall structure. The limb can be positioned at different angles and lengths to optimize space utilization without compromising braking force generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking force is concentrated at the brake shoe where it contacts the guide rail, rather than being distributed through multiple levers. This localized force application allows for effective braking with a more compact structure, as the force is generated precisely where needed.
3Device complexity
If brake shoes are not preloaded in damping brakes, then the structure is simplified, but automatic release capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device is designed to automatically release when the elevator car moves, without requiring external actuation. The limb structure and brake shoe positioning allow the system to self-release as the car's movement creates the necessary clearance, eliminating the need for complex release mechanisms while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 braking device effectively absorbs load changes during unloading and loading, providing a stable and compact solution that acts as a parking brake, reducing wear and instability while ensuring safe and comfortable elevator operation.
Implementation Method 1
Braking devices in the form of damping brakes are also known, which are used to damp vibrations of the elevator car at a stopping place... In order to achieve the brake effect, the braking device can be brought into a braking position in which a frictional connection on a guide rail of the elevator system leads to holding fast
Implementation Method 2
A brake arrangement is known from the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 2,326,046, wherein two brake limbs are pressed against a brake rail by means of pressure and transmission levers via spring-loaded linkage
Data Source
AI summary
A brake device for an elevator system generates a friction grip on an elevator rail and includes two legs with brake ends. The first leg is connected to a first articulation point of a transmission lever that has, located at a distance in a longitudinal direction from the first articulation point, a second articulation point that is connected to a first pivot of a pressure lever. The second leg is connected to a second pivot of the pressure lever. A third pivot of the pressure lever is connected to an articulation point of an actuating element (crank rod) whereby a longitudinal movement of the actuating element moves the brake device between a braking position with the brake ends spaced apart a minimum distance, and an opened position with the brake ends spaced apart a maximum distance. The actuating element longitudinal movement is predefined by first and second end points.