Elevator Brake Control Using Model-Based Torque Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator brake devices often result in intense deceleration that is unpleasant for passengers, and existing systems lack efficient metering of braking torque over a long operational period, leading to disturbances and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A method for actuating a brake device that automatically releases the pressure element from a counter surface using an electromagnetically disengageable spring-actuated brake, with a model-based approach to ascertain the required braking torque based on the elevator system's operational state, direction of travel, load state, and desired deceleration, generating an actuation signal to meter the braking action and calibrate the braking characteristic to match the desired deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum braking action is applied to safely brake the elevator car, then safety is improved, but passenger comfort deteriorates due to intense deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The brake device transitions from static maximum braking to dynamic controlled braking. The control unit dynamically adjusts the braking torque based on real-time elevator car speed, load state, and operational phase, enabling the system to adapt braking intensity to current conditions rather than applying constant maximum force
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the braking torque parameter continuously during the braking process. By varying the braking torque magnitude based on speed reduction requirements and load conditions, the system achieves safe stopping while minimizing uncomfortable deceleration forces on passengers
2Ease of operation
If conventional brake control is used, then simple operation is maintained, but braking torque metering precision deteriorates over long operational periods
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors actual braking parameters including speed, acceleration, and load state, comparing them against target values and automatically adjusting braking torque to maintain precise metering. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate braking control throughout the entire service life of the elevator system
Solution Approach 2:
The brake control system performs self-calibration and self-adjustment by automatically learning from operational data and compensating for wear, temperature changes, and other transient effects without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining measurement precision over long operational periods
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 allows for efficient metering of braking torque over a long operational period, minimizing passenger discomfort and ensuring safe deceleration while adapting to transient effects and material wear, maintaining consistent braking performance throughout the elevator system's service life.
Implementation Method 1
an electronically actuatable electromagnet for disengaging the spring-actuated brake
Implementation Method 2
The braking action is achieved by means of the spring force of at least one spring
Data Source
AI summary
A method for driving an elevator car brake device, an elevator system for executing the method, and a computer program implementing the method involve the brake device including at least one automatically releasable pressure element effecting a braking action and an electromagnet automatically releasing the pressure element, wherein a respectively required braking torque of the car is ascertained using a model of the elevator system, a direction of car travel, a state of load of the car and a desired car deceleration. A drive signal for driving the electromagnet is generated based on the braking torque and is supplied to the electromagnet, wherein, when the car is braked, an actual car deceleration is ascertained and calibration is performed based on the ascertained actual car deceleration, specifically calibration of the ascertained required braking torque or calibration of the drive signal that is generated based on the ascertained required braking torque.