Elevator Car Brake Structure to Eliminate Loading Bounce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevators experience 'bounce' during passenger loading or unloading due to the flexibility of belts between the elevator car and the lifting mechanism, causing unnecessary alarm and a need for improved braking systems.
Innovation Solution
A brake system for elevator cars that includes first and second actuators with solenoids and armatures, biasing members, and brake linings, allowing for engagement and disengagement with the rail to control the movement of the elevator car, utilizing magnetic fields to overcome bias forces and manage frictional forces for braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the brake is located at a distance from the elevator car, then the brake structure is simpler and easier to install, but bounce occurs during loading or unloading due to flexibility of the belts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rigid connection structure (intermediary) between the brake and the elevator car, specifically through the brake arm and its connection to the car frame. This rigid intermediary eliminates the flexible belt connection that causes bounce, while allowing the brake itself to remain a separate, simplified component located at a distance from the car.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the brake is located near the elevator car, then bounce is eliminated, but the brake structure becomes more complex and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is segmented into distinct functional components: the brake mechanism itself, the brake arm for force transmission, and the connection points on the elevator car. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the brake can be simplified while the connection structure provides the necessary rigidity to eliminate bounce.
3Reliability
If the solenoid is used to pick the brake, then reliable braking control is achieved, but current consumption increases when in the picked state
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid operates in a periodic manner - energized only during the brief moment needed to transition the brake from dropped to picked state. Once picked, the brake is held in position by the mechanical advantage of the arm and spring system, not by continuous electrical power. This periodic action maintains reliability while minimizing current consumption during the picked state.
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 brake system effectively reduces or eliminates the 'bounce' during loading/unloading, providing reliable braking while minimizing current usage when in the picked state, enhancing passenger safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
A brake system for elevator cars that includes first and second actuators with solenoids and armatures... utilizing magnetic fields to overcome bias forces
Implementation Method 2
actuators with solenoids and armatures... utilizing magnetic fields to overcome bias forces
Implementation Method 3
manage frictional forces for braking... brake linings, allowing for engagement and disengagement with the rail to control the movement of the elevator car
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A brake (26) for an elevator system (10) and method of using the brake (26) is disclosed. The brake (26) may comprise first and second brake linings (38) configured to be frictionally engageable with a rail (14) of the elevator system (10), a first biasing member (34) configured to urge the first brake lining (38) to engage the rail (14), and a first actuator (30) configured to move the first brake lining (38) to disengage the rail (14) when the first actuator (30) is energized. The brake (26) may be configured to be mounted on an elevator car (16) of the elevator system (10).