Elevator Brake Phase Control Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator brake control devices using contactors generate noise during switching and require additional components for redundant designs, which can be unsafe and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating phase control devices with electronic switch-off elements in the rectifier branches of elevator brake control devices, allowing for redundant switching without contactors, reducing noise and enabling safer disconnection of brake connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If contactors are used to control brake magnets, then switching functions can be monitored safely, but switching noise is generated and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety monitoringVSAvoidswitching noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contactors with electronic phase control devices (thyristors) to eliminate mechanical switching noise. The electronic switching elements provide silent operation while maintaining the ability to control brake magnets, directly resolving the noise issue while preserving safety monitoring capabilities through electronic control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electronic phase control devices as intermediary elements between the power supply and brake magnets. These phase control devices serve as mediators that provide safe monitoring functions and electronic switching without generating mechanical noise, thus resolving the contradiction between safety monitoring and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If contactors are used for brake control, then switching functions are simple to monitor, but additional components are required increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching function monitoringVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of contactors and phase control into a single electronic phase control device. This integration eliminates the need for separate mechanical contactors while maintaining safety monitoring capabilities through the electronic control circuit, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic phase control device performs multiple functions: it provides safe monitoring of switching functions, controls the brake magnets, and eliminates the need for additional mechanical components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

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

3Object-generated harmful factors

If phase control devices are used instead of contactors, then switching noise is reduced, but redundant electronic switch-off elements are needed for safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching noiseVSAvoidelectronic switch-off elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contactors with electronic phase control devices, eliminating mechanical switching noise. The electronic switch-off elements (thyristors) provide silent operation while maintaining safety functions, directly resolving the noise issue without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electronic switch-off elements that can be easily replaced if needed, providing a cost-effective solution for redundant safety switching. These electronic components offer reliable fail-safe functionality without the complexity and noise associated with mechanical contactors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 reduces or eliminates switching noise, enhances safety through redundant electronic disconnection, and optimizes energy consumption by controlling voltage levels for efficient brake operation.

Implementation Method 1

the rectifier device is used to convert the supply voltage at the supply connection, which is typically present as an AC voltage, into a (pulsed) DC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

a phase control device is arranged in each of the first branches and that at least one electronic switch-off element is formed, with which at least one of the two brake connections can be switched off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase control:

Implementation Method 3

two brake magnets of the elevator brake are each supplied with current from a supply connection via a rectifier device each with a first branch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3216734B1Elevator braking device and method for driving a lift brake
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 ZIEHL ABEGG AG
  • EP3216734B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3216734B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In an elevator brake control device (1) it is proposed to supply a supply voltage from a supply connection (2) via at least one rectifier device (3, 4) with rectifier elements (9, 10, 11, 12) to at least one brake connection (13, 14), wherein in at least two branches (5, 6, 7, 8) of the at least one rectifier device (3, 4) a phase control device (22) is arranged, with which an effective voltage level at the at least one brake connection (13, 14) can be reduced.