Integrated Elevator Braking System with Magnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and setup of separate braking devices in traction elevator systems are costly and time-consuming, requiring individual adjustments and complex coordination to control elevator car speed and motion effectively.
Innovation Solution
A braking system with two or more frictionally engageable braking surfaces on the elevator car, actuated by magnetic coils and biased by disc springs, which engage and disengage with rails to stop or hold the car, reducing the need for multiple devices and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate braking devices (machine brake, safety brakes) are installed individually throughout the elevator system, then reliable braking control is achieved, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate braking devices (machine brake and safety brakes) into a single integrated braking system mounted on the elevator car. This consolidation maintains the reliability of braking control while significantly reducing installation time and complexity by eliminating the need to install and coordinate multiple separate devices throughout the elevator system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated braking system performs multiple functions that were previously handled by separate devices: it provides both normal operation braking and emergency safety braking capabilities in a single unified mechanism, reducing the overall device count while maintaining comprehensive braking control.
2Reliability
If multiple separate braking devices are installed throughout the elevator system, then comprehensive braking coverage is achieved, but device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple braking devices into a single integrated system that provides comprehensive braking coverage. By combining the machine brake and safety brake functions into one unified mechanism mounted on the elevator car, the system maintains complete braking coverage while eliminating the complexity of coordinating multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated braking system performs both normal operation braking and emergency safety braking functions, providing comprehensive braking coverage without requiring multiple specialized devices. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity while maintaining complete braking capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual braking devices are installed and adjusted separately, then precise braking control is achieved, but setup cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individually adjusted braking devices into a single integrated braking system. This consolidation maintains precise braking control through unified adjustment mechanisms while significantly improving installation ease by eliminating the need for separate installation and adjustment of multiple devices.
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 streamlines the braking system, reducing installation costs and complexity while providing reliable emergency braking and normal operation control through a single integrated mechanism, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more actuators including one or more electrical coils magnetically interactive with the at least one braking surfaces; the one or more electrical coils configured to urge the at least one braking surface away from the rail when energized
Implementation Method 2
at least one biasing member to bias the at least one braking surface toward the rail; the at least one biasing member comprising a stack of disc springs
Implementation Method 3
two or more braking surfaces located at an elevator car and frictionally engageable with a rail of an elevator system
Data Source
AI summary
A braking system for an elevator system includes two or more braking surfaces located at an elevator car and frictionally engageable with a rail of an elevator system. One or more actuators are located at the elevator car and are operably connected to at least one braking surface of the two or more braking surfaces. The one or more actuators are configured to urge engagement and/or disengagement of the at least one braking surface with the rail to stop and/or hold the elevator car during operation of the elevator system. One or more braking guides are located at the elevator car to maintain a selected distance between the two or more braking surfaces and the rail.