Elevator Brake Emergency Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanically actuated elevator brakes often result in permanent holding brakes during power failures or mechanical blockages, making it difficult to release trapped elevator cars without an external energy source.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical emergency release device is integrated into the elevator brake system, featuring a wedge-shaped element, rotatable threaded bolt, or inclined plane that can be actuated manually to disengage the second friction lining from the elevator rail, allowing for brake relaxation without power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an electromechanical actuating element is used to press the friction lining against the elevator rail, then the braking force and control precision are improved, but the risk of permanent holding brake during power failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional brake release mechanism by placing the release device on the opposite side of the elevator rail from the actuating unit. Instead of releasing the brake from the actuator side, the release mechanism acts on the second friction lining from the rail side, allowing mechanical release even when the electromechanical actuator fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wedge-shaped element as an intermediary mechanical component that translates a small manual input force into sufficient force to disengage the friction lining from the rail. This wedge mechanism serves as a mediator between the operator's manual action and the brake release function.
2Loss of time
If a quick-release device with energy source is provided to unlock the locking device, then the brake release speed is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential release function from the complex electromechanical system and implements it through a simple mechanical wedge mechanism. By removing the need for energy sources, sensors, and control systems, the solution achieves rapid brake release while dramatically reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive mechanical wedge element that can be manually actuated without requiring expensive energy sources or complex control systems. The solution prioritizes simplicity and low cost over automated rapid release mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the release device is positioned on the actuator side of the elevator rail, then the release mechanism is easily accessible, but the mechanical advantage and release force are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the release device on the opposite side of the elevator rail from the actuator, inverting the conventional arrangement. This positioning provides mechanical advantage through the wedge geometry while maintaining accessibility for manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the release mechanism by acting on the friction lining from the rail side rather than from the actuator side. This dimensional change allows the wedge to leverage the rail structure itself for mechanical advantage.
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
Enables safe and manual release of the elevator brake in emergency situations, ensuring passenger safety by providing a mechanical means to override the locked brake state, even without power supply.
Implementation Method 1
the release device has at least one actuatable wedge-shaped element which interacts with an element assigned to the second friction lining in such a way that actuation of the wedge-shaped element disengages the second friction lining from the elevator rail
Implementation Method 2
the release device is formed by a rotatable threaded bolt which is screwed into a thread arranged in the floating caliper, pivoting the threaded bolt disengaging the second friction lining from the elevator rail
Implementation Method 3
presses a first friction lining against an elevator rail or a brake disc of an elevator drive, while a second friction lining is pressed against the opposite side surface of the elevator rail
Data Source
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AI summary
The elevator brake has an operating unit, which presses a friction pad (4) against an elevator rail (6) or an elevator brake disk by an operating element (7). A release device (24) is arranged on the opposite side of the operating unit of the elevator rail or the elevator brake disk, and acts on another friction pad (5). An independent claim is included for an elevator system.