Automated Elevator Brake Testing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator braking systems require periodic manual testing by technicians, which is inefficient and may not ensure regularity or thoroughness, especially in ensuring safety and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An automated testing method and system that uses an elevator system processing device to initiate and conduct tests, ensuring no occupants are present through visual, weight, or audio verification, and analyzing braking data to determine if the safety brake system operates within predetermined parameters, allowing for remote or scheduled testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual testing by technicians is used, then the testing can be performed on-site, but the efficiency is low and regularity cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator safety brake system performs self-testing through an automated testing mechanism that operates without requiring external technician intervention. The system automatically initiates tests, collects braking data, analyzes results, and generates reports, enabling the system to service itself and ensuring consistent periodic testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical testing process with an automated electronic testing system. The automated testing mechanism uses electronic sensors, data processing, and automated control to substitute for technician actions, thereby improving both efficiency and reliability of periodic testing.
2Reliability
If manual testing is performed, then flexibility in testing timing is available, but thoroughness and standardization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The automated testing system incorporates feedback mechanisms where braking data is automatically collected, analyzed against predetermined parameters, and used to determine pass/fail results. The system provides feedback through automated reports and can trigger maintenance alerts, ensuring thorough and standardized evaluation of brake system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes predetermined parameter ranges for braking distance, deceleration, and other performance metrics. By automatically comparing actual braking data against these standardized parameters, the system ensures thorough and consistent evaluation without relying on technician judgment, thereby improving both thoroughness and standardization.
3Reliability
If frequent testing is implemented, then safety is improved, but the need for on-site personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated testing system enables the elevator brake system to perform self-diagnosis and self-testing without requiring technician presence. This allows frequent testing to be conducted automatically, improving safety while eliminating the need for proportional increases in on-site personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for technician presence with an automated electronic testing system that can operate continuously or periodically without human intervention. This substitution enables frequent testing while maintaining or reducing personnel requirements.
4Productivity
If automated testing is implemented, then efficiency and standardization improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated testing system is integrated into the existing elevator control architecture, allowing the controller to perform multiple functions including normal operation control and safety brake testing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated testing equipment, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining testing efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of testing of an elevator safety brake system is provided. The method includes initiating an automated test procedure. The method also includes triggering an electronic safety actuator. The method further includes generating braking data about performance of the electronic safety actuator. The method yet further includes analyzing the braking data. The method also includes generating a report to indicate whether the elevator safety brake system performed adequately.