Elevator Machinery Brake Oscillation Test System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems lack effective methods for detecting the failure of machinery brakes due to insufficient opening, which can lead to dangerous situations, especially in emergency conditions, and current solutions are either invasive or not frequently enough to ensure timely detection.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control the machinery brake to open and oscillate the traction sheave with a test torque, measuring the movement during oscillation to determine if the brake has opened, allowing for frequent testing without disrupting normal elevator operation and integrating with existing elevator control systems to generate fault codes and shut down the elevator if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brake switches are used to detect brake opening, then brake failure detection is enabled, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to oxidation and failure of switch contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical brake switches with an oscillation-based detection system that uses the elevator machine's own motion characteristics to detect brake failure. The control unit generates oscillating drive signals and analyzes resulting oscillations in the elevator machine, eliminating the need for separate mechanical detection devices and their associated reliability issues.
2Reliability
If frequent brake testing is implemented, then brake failure detection reliability improves, but normal elevator operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic oscillation testing where the control unit generates oscillating drive signals at predetermined intervals during normal operation. This allows frequent brake functionality verification without continuous disruption, as the oscillations are brief and can be performed during regular elevator cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary oscillation tests during normal operation to detect brake failures before they become critical. By continuously monitoring brake response through oscillation analysis, the system can identify issues early and alert operators before actual brake failure occurs during passenger transport.
3Measurement precision
If torque is increased to test brake opening, then detection capability improves, but dangerous situations may arise if brake does not open
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the oscillation response of the elevator machine and compares it against expected characteristics. If the brake fails to open properly, the oscillation pattern will differ from the expected pattern, allowing the system to detect the failure without applying excessive torque that could create dangerous situations.
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
Enables frequent detection of brake failure without affecting normal elevator operation, ensuring safety by preventing unexpected movements and compliance with safety standards, thereby reducing the risk of hazardous situations.
Implementation Method 1
the traction sheave is oscillated with a test torque; the movement of the elevator machine is measured in connection with the oscillation
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the invention is to detect a failure situation wherein the machinery brake of an elevator does not open sufficiently. In the method for testing failure of a machinery brake of an elevator, the machinery brake is controlled to open. After this, the traction sheave is oscillated with a test torque, the movement of the elevator machine is measured in connection with the oscillation, and if the machine does not move in connection with the oscillation, it is deduced that the machinery brake has not opened and has therefore failed.