Elevator Parking Brake Linkage for Compact Load Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator braking devices are complex, bulky, and primarily designed for comfort rather than safety, leading to instability and increased wear during loading and unloading, and lack a compact and easy-to-operate mechanism for effective load balancing.

Innovation Solution

A braking device with two legs connected via a transmission and pressure lever system, utilizing a crank rod mechanism that converts tensile force into compressive force, allowing for a compact and lightweight design that can absorb load changes during unloading and loading without displacing the elevator car, and featuring a motor-driven actuator for active engagement and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a traditional braking device with multiple levers and links is used, then the braking force can be applied to the elevator car, but the device becomes complex and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking forceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple separate levers and links into a single integrated arm that directly connects the actuator to the brake shoe. This consolidation eliminates the need for complex transmission mechanisms while maintaining the ability to apply sufficient braking force to the elevator car.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary intermediate transmission elements (multiple levers and links) from the braking system, retaining only the essential components needed to transmit force from the actuator to the brake shoe, thereby simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Force

If a traditional braking device with multiple levers and links is used, then the braking force can be applied to the elevator car, but the device occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking forceVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple separate components into a single integrated arm, the patent significantly reduces the spatial footprint of the braking device while preserving its force transmission capability, allowing for more compact installation within the elevator shaft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If damping brakes are used to reduce vibrations and vertical movements, then passenger comfort is improved, but the device is not relevant to safety and requires additional monitoring functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabin stabilityVSAvoidsafety function
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the braking device to simultaneously serve both safety and comfort functions. The same braking mechanism that provides emergency stopping capability also dampens vibrations and stabilizes the cabin during operation, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If a compact braking device is designed, then the structure is simplified and space is reduced, but the mechanism must still convert tensile force into compressive force effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidforce conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a crank mechanism that converts the linear tensile force from the actuator into rotational motion, which is then transformed into compressive force applied to the brake shoe. This curved motion path enables effective force conversion within a compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The crank mechanism acts as a force transformation element that converts the pulling force (tension) into pushing force (compression) through its geometric configuration, effectively creating a mechanical advantage that enables force conversion in the compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 provides a compact, lightweight, and efficient braking system that effectively balances loads during stops, reducing wear and instability, and functions as a reliable parking brake with minimal energy impact on the elevator system.

Implementation Method 1

A tensile force in the actuating element or the connecting rod is converted into a compressive force at the brake ends. In an exemplary design, a tensile force of 1kN results in a compressive force of approximately 4.5kN.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

The first leg is connected in an articulated manner to a first articulation point of at least one transmission lever. The transmission lever has a second articulation point spaced apart in the longitudinal direction from the first articulation point. This second articulation point is connected in an articulated manner to a first pivot point of at least one pressure lever.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 3

In order to achieve the braking effect, the braking device can be brought into a braking position in which a frictional engagement on a guide rail of the elevator system leads to it being held.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3554981B1Parking brake
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 INVENTIO AG
  • EP3554981B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3554981B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3554981B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a brake device (1) for a lift installation (100) for generating a friction grip on a rail (101) of the lift installation (100), wherein the brake device comprises two legs (2, 3) with brake ends (4, 5). The first leg (2) is connected in an articulated manner to a first articulation point (11) of at least one transfer lever (12), which has, located at a distance in the longitudinal direction from the first articulation point (11), a second articulation point (13) which is connected in an articulated manner to a first pivot (14) of at least one pressure lever (15). The second leg (3) is connected in an articulated manner to a second pivot (16) of the pressure lever (15). A third pivot (17) of the pressure lever (15) is connected in an articulated manner to an articulation point (18) of an actuating element (19), particularly a crank articulation point of a crank rod, such that, as a result of a longitudinal movement (23) of the actuating element (19), the brake device (1) can be moved from a braking position, in which the brake ends (4, 5) are at a minimum distance (20) from one another, into an opened position, in which the brake ends (4, 5) are at a maximum distance (21) from one another, and vice versa. The longitudinal movement (23) of the actuating element (19) is predefined by a first end point (23a) and a second end point (23b).