Elevator Cabin Locking Mechanism for Safe Maintenance Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator installations pose challenges for safe maintenance operations due to the difficulty in setting up electrical contactors in limited spaces and the inability of cutting power supply to prevent cabin movement within the sheath, risking operator safety during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A vertical elevator installation with a cabin movement detection system that sends an alert signal to a stop and maintenance device to immobilize the cabin when it moves after a landing door is released, utilizing electromagnetic or optical sensors to detect cabin position and movement, and a stop device that includes a jaw brake or speed limiter to prevent accidental movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contactors are installed to detect landing door status and control power supply, then the control function is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to limited space in existing installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential control function from complex electrical contactors and implements it through a simplified system using existing electrical contacts on the manual unlocking device. The detection function is achieved by utilizing the key lock device's existing electrical contacts to sense door status, eliminating the need to install separate contactors in the limited shaft space.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual unlocking device's electrical contacts serve multiple functions: they both enable manual unlocking operation and provide detection signals for controlling the cabin drive motor power supply. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection devices, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable control.
2Reliability
If power supply to the cabin drive motor is cut off to prevent movement, then the safety control is improved, but the harmful effect remains because the cabin can still slide under its own weight regardless of motor power state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a positive locking mechanism that prevents cabin movement before any harmful sliding can occur. The locking member engages with the drive mechanism to physically block movement, rather than relying on the negative approach of cutting power supply which fails to prevent gravity-induced sliding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical control system (power supply cutting) with a mechanical locking system. The locking member mechanically engages with the drive mechanism to prevent cabin movement, providing reliable safety control that is independent of electrical power state and effective against gravity-induced sliding.
3Reliability
If the cabin is kept in a fixed position during maintenance to ensure operator safety, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the operator cannot freely access different floors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by locking the cabin in a fixed position before the maintenance operator enters the shaft. The system detects when the landing door is manually unlocked and automatically activates the locking mechanism, ensuring the cabin is secured in advance. This allows the operator to freely access different floors through unlocked landing doors while the cabin remains safely immobilized.
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
Ensures the safety of maintenance operators by preventing the cabin from moving while they access the sheath, whether at the top or bottom, even if the electric motor is cut off, thereby avoiding potential crushing hazards.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing electromagnetic or optical sensors to detect cabin position and movement
Implementation Method 2
utilizing electromagnetic or optical sensors to detect cabin position and movement
Implementation Method 3
a stop device that includes a jaw brake or speed limiter to prevent accidental movement
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator installation comprising: a shaft (12) extending along a vertical component in a building between a lower end (15) and an upper end (17), said building having a plurality of landings (20, 22), a plurality of lockable landing doors (28, 30) adapted to respectively close openings in a closed position and to be locked in said closed position; a car (32) having a top and a movable ascent in translation within said shaft in order to be able to dock at each of said landings (20, 22) opposite the corresponding landing door; a plurality of manual unlocking devices (46, 48) for being able to manually release one or the other of said landing doors, so as to be able to enter said shaft through said released landing door.Also, the installation includes a cabin movement detection device (55, 57; 58, 59); and, a stopping and holding device (49, 45) for said cabin in a fixed position.