Elevator Safety Brake Actuation Using Magnetic Repulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator braking systems face challenges in effectively decelerating an elevator car when it exceeds predetermined speed or acceleration criteria, particularly in ensuring reliable and noise-free operation while minimizing mechanical linkages and costs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic safety actuator assembly is introduced, comprising an electromagnet, a magnet, and a safety brake, where the electromagnet is switchable between energized and un-energized conditions to magnetically attract or repel the magnet, moving the safety brake from a non-braking to a braking position, utilizing a magnetic force greater than a spring force to engage the brake with the guide rail, thus decelerating the elevator car.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical linkages are used to actuate the safety brake, then the brake can be reliably engaged, but the device complexity increases and noise risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnet converts electrical energy to magnetic force, which directly actuates the safety brake through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components while maintaining reliable brake engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction) controlled by the electromagnet to achieve brake actuation. By varying the electrical current to the electromagnet, the magnetic force parameters change, enabling precise control of the safety brake engagement without mechanical linkages.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages are used to connect the safety brake to the electromagnet, then the brake can be actuated, but noise is generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical linkages that generate noise during operation by substituting them with an electromagnetic field-based actuation system. The electromagnet directly generates magnetic forces to move the safety brake, eliminating friction, impact, and mechanical contact noise associated with traditional linkage systems.
3Ease of operation
If multiple mechanical components are used in the braking system, then the brake can be actuated, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical transmission components from the braking system, retaining only the essential elements (electromagnet, magnet, safety brake). This reduction in component count simplifies manufacturing processes, reduces assembly complexity, and lowers overall manufacturing costs while maintaining the brake actuation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple mechanical components into a single electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnet integrates the functions of force generation, transmission, and control that were previously distributed across multiple mechanical linkages, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 reliable, cost-effective, and noise-reduced braking mechanism that decelerates the elevator car efficiently by eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and reducing noise risks, ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one of the energized condition and the un-energized condition magnetically attracting the magnet to the electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
the other of the energized condition and the un-energized condition magnetically repulsing the magnet away from the electromagnet
Implementation Method 3
a spring operatively coupleable to the elevator car and in contact with the elevator case to bias the safety case downwardly
Implementation Method 4
moving the safety brake into frictional engagement with the guide rail to decelerate the elevator car
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic safety actuator assembly for an elevator system includes a safety case vertically moveable relative to an elevator car. Also included is a safety brake disposed within the safety case. Further included is an electromagnet operatively coupleable to the elevator car. Yet further included is a link member operatively coupleable to the elevator car and to the safety brake. Also included is a magnet disposed between the electromagnet and the safety case, the magnet vertically moveable relative to the elevator car, the electromagnet switchable between an energized condition and an un-energized condition, one of the energized condition and the un-energized condition magnetically attracting the magnet to the electromagnet, the other of the energized condition and the un-energized condition magnetically repulsing the magnet away from the electromagnet, repulsion of the magnet moving the safety brake from a non-braking position to a braking position.