Elevator Brake Control Circuit for Single Braking Member Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machineroomless elevators, accessing the elevator brake for single braking member testing is cumbersome due to the difficulty in reaching the brake components, and existing mechanical linkages and auxiliary coils have limitations such as restricted placement and wear resistance issues.
Innovation Solution
A control arrangement with a control circuit that generates actuating signals for electromagnetic actuating means to allow normal operation and single braking member test modes, enabling remote control of elevator brake components without direct access, using separate electromagnetic actuating means for each braking member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical means are used to retain braking member in released state, then single braking member test can be performed, but access to brake components becomes difficult in machineroomless elevators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkage systems with electrical control signals transmitted through cables or wiring between the machine unit and the brake. The control circuit generates actuating signals that are transmitted electrically to electromagnetic actuating means, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages like Bowden cables and allowing remote operation from accessible positions.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages like Bowden cables are used, then remote activation is possible, but friction and wear resistance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical linkages with electrical signal transmission. Instead of using mechanical cables that suffer from friction and wear, the system transmits actuating signals through electrical wiring or cables to electromagnetic actuators, eliminating mechanical contact and associated wear problems.
3Reliability
If auxiliary coils are provided for releasing braking member, then backup releasing capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control circuit multi-functional by enabling it to generate different types of actuating signals: normal operation signals for synchronous control of both braking members, and permanent release signals for single braking member testing. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary coils while maintaining backup and testing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically adapts its signal output based on operational mode. It can switch between generating normal actuating signals during operation and permanent release signals during testing, providing versatile functionality without requiring additional fixed components like auxiliary coils.
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
Facilitates convenient single braking member testing without mechanical manipulation, reducing wear and maintenance, and allowing flexible placement of the control arrangement, thus simplifying the testing process and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first armature being arranged such as to be actuated by an electromagnetic actuating means, to disengage said first braking member from said braking surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A control arrangement (100) for an elevator brake, comprises a control circuit (110) adapted to generate, according to a demand for releasing a first braking member of the elevator brake, a first actuating signal and to generate, according to a demand for releasing a second braking member of the elevator brake, a second actuating signal; a first terminal (112) for outputting the first actuating signal to a first electromagnetic actuating means (26) of the elevator brake, a second terminal for outputting the second actuating signal to a second electromagnetic actuating means (30) of the elevator brake; the control arrangement (100) being adapted to allow at least the following modes of operation: A) a normal operation mode in which the first and the second actuating signals are supplied synchronously to the first and second electromagnetic actuation means (26, 30), respectively, and B) a single braking member test operation mode, in which one of the first and second actuating signals is supplied to the respective one of the first and second electromagnetic actuating means (26, 30), and an actuating signal for permanently releasing the respective of the first and second braking members (14, 16) is supplied to the other one of the first and second electromagnetic actuating means (26, 30).