Elevator Brake Wear Detection Using Reduced Coil Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator brake devices rely on manual estimation of friction plate wear using a feeler gauge, which is inefficient and lacks a systematic method to determine the degree of wear, potentially leading to safety issues and unscheduled maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A brake device with a controller that implements a test mode by providing a reduced current to the coil, determining if the moving member can be attracted to the retracted position, thereby assessing the friction plate wear and prompting maintenance or stopping the elevator if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual detection using a feeler gauge is used to estimate friction plate wear, then the detection method is simple, but the detection precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical feeler gauge detection method with an automated electromagnetic detection system. The coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with the moving member to automatically determine friction plate wear degree, eliminating the need for manual mechanical measurement and improving both precision and automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake device performs self-detection of friction plate wear through the automated test mode. The controller automatically activates the coil, measures the magnetic field interaction, and determines wear degree without requiring external manual intervention, enabling the system to monitor its own condition.
2Reliability
If full operating current is provided to the coil during normal operation, then the brake releasing function is reliable, but energy consumption is high during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing only a portion of the full operating current to the coil during test mode. The controller selectively activates the coil with reduced current for wear detection purposes, rather than continuously applying full operating current, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient magnetic field strength for accurate measurement.
3Reliability
If friction plate wear is not monitored systematically, then maintenance costs are reduced, but safety risks increase due to potential unscheduled stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously or periodically monitors the friction plate wear degree through automated testing. The system provides feedback information about the wear state, enabling proactive maintenance scheduling and preventing safety issues before they occur, thus enhancing reliability through automated monitoring.
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 method allows for periodic assessment of friction plate wear, reducing manual intervention and ensuring safety by automatically determining when maintenance is required, thus preventing unscheduled stops and enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a coil disposed in the fixed member, the coil generating a magnetic field when being energized to attract the moving member to move toward the retracted position
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member connected between the moving member and the fixed member, the elastic member tending to urge the moving member toward the braking position
Data Source
AI summary
A brake device includes: a fixed member; a moving member which is movable between a retracted position in which the moving member is adjacent to the fixed member and separate from a braking member, and a braking position in which a friction plate of the moving member contacts the braking member and provides a braking force to the braking member; an elastic member connected between the moving member and the fixed member; a coil disposed in the fixed member; and a controller which provides an operating current to the coil when the elevator is in normal operation, wherein the controller is configured to implement a test mode in which the controller provides a test current less than the operating current to the coil and determines whether the moving member has been attracted to the retracted position.