Elevator Braking Device Segmented Cylinder Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator braking systems lack the ability to adjust braking force according to load conditions, leading to inconsistent deceleration and potential discomfort or safety risks for passengers, and existing solutions with adjustable braking are complex and maintenance-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A braking device with multiple individually controllable brake cylinder assemblies, allowing for precise adjustment of braking force through the activation of different brake cylinder groups, providing a range of braking force values and ensuring operational safety with redundant valve systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a constant braking force is provided by safety gear or service brake, then the braking system is simple in structure, but the deceleration varies with load conditions causing passenger discomfort or safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger safetyVSAvoidbraking system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking device is divided into multiple brake cylinder assemblies (at least three), each capable of being independently activated. This segmentation allows the system to provide different braking force levels by activating different combinations of assemblies, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The braking force is made dynamically adjustable through the controller which selectively activates different brake cylinder assemblies based on load conditions. The system transitions from static constant braking force to dynamic adaptive braking force, improving passenger safety while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If braking force is continuously adjustable, then passenger comfort and safety are improved, but the braking system becomes complex and maintenance-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force adjustmentVSAvoidbraking system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous adjustment mechanisms, the system segments braking force into discrete levels achieved by activating different combinations of brake cylinder assemblies. This provides sufficient braking force adjustment for different load conditions while avoiding the complexity of continuous adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system activates only the necessary number of brake cylinder assemblies required to achieve the desired braking force level. By using partial action (activating 1, 2, or 3 assemblies instead of always all three), the system achieves adequate braking adjustment without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple brake cylinder assemblies are provided with individual control, then different braking force values can be provided for different load conditions, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force adaptationVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves multiple functions: it detects load conditions, determines the appropriate braking force level, and activates the corresponding brake cylinder assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control components for each brake assembly, managing adaptability while controlling system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3126276B1Elevator with a braking device
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR INNOVATION AND OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP3126276B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3126276B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3126276B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an elevator (2) comprising a braking device (14), in particular a safety brake or a service brake, said braking device (14) being designed to provide a braking power in a gradual manner for braking a car (4) of an elevator (2). The invention also relates to said type of braking element (14).