Elevator Cable Brake Locking Mechanism for Emergency Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator cable-braking apparatuses face limitations in locking force due to reliance on a single coupling mechanism, which can lead to malfunction during emergency operations.
Innovation Solution
A cable-braking apparatus that utilizes a dual-action mechanism involving an anchor pin and connecting rod, combined with a gear train and clutch to compress and release main elastic elements, allowing the press plate to engage or disengage the main cable, and a solenoid-controlled lock to manage the anchor pin's position, ensuring reliable operation in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single coupling mechanism is used to lock the anchor pin block, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking force is limited and reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two locking mechanisms (anchor pin and connecting rod) into a dual-action system where both components work together to secure the press unit. The anchor pin engages with locking grooves in the lock, while the connecting rod engages with the coupling block, creating redundant locking paths that collectively provide sufficient locking force for emergency braking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into two independent but coordinated mechanisms: the anchor pin block with its pin and the connecting rod with the coupling block. This segmentation allows each component to contribute a portion of the total locking force, and the system can be designed such that either mechanism alone provides partial security while both together ensure reliable locking.
2Reliability
If the anchor pin block is locked during normal operation, then the press plate remains disengaged from the main cable, but the locked state must be releasable in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions between static locked and unlocked states through dynamic action of the elastic elements. During normal operation, the elastic compression elements maintain compression against the coupling block, holding the connecting rod in a position that locks the press unit. In emergency situations, release of the lock allows the elastic elements to dynamically expand, pushing the connecting rod and coupling block to release the anchor pin and engage the press plate with the main cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic compression elements are pre-compressed during normal operation, storing potential energy in advance. This preliminary compression ensures that when the lock is released, the stored energy is immediately available to drive the releasing action, enabling rapid transition to the emergency braking state without requiring additional power or actuation.
3Reliability
If the gear train and clutch are used to compress and release elastic elements, then malfunction prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct motor-driven mechanical actuation with an elastic energy storage and release system. Instead of using the drive motor to directly compress and release the elastic elements through complex mechanical linkages, the system uses the gear train and clutch only to initially compress the elastic elements, after which the elastic elements themselves perform the work of moving the press unit. This substitution reduces the risk of malfunction during the critical braking action.
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
The dual-action mechanism maintains a locked state during normal operations while enabling the press plate to engage the main cable in emergencies, preventing malfunctions by using the gear train and clutch to compress and release elastic elements effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid, which is positioned below an anchor pin block of the press unit and a pin cover of which is raised upon application of power and is lowered by restoring force on interruption of application of power
Implementation Method 2
a tension spring, which is provided below the lock so as to provide the lock with restoring force
Implementation Method 3
the main elastic elements, which are respectively fitted over the pair of guide rods, coupling blocks, through which the pair of guide rods respectively extend and which are respectively fixed to the main elastic elements, the coupling blocks being moved vertically to positions for opening and closing the press plate by the main elastic elements
Data Source
AI summary
A cable-braking apparatus includes a main body unit at which a main cable is positioned, a drive unit provided at the main body unit so as to generate a drive force, an elastic compression unit configured to compress or release the main elastic element using the drive force generated by the drive unit, a press unit actuated by the elastic compression unit so as to move a press plate thereof to thus press the main cable, and a movement control unit configured to lock or release an anchor pin to thus control movement of the press unit. The main elastic elements are compressed and released by the action of the gear train and the clutch, thereby offering an effect of preventing malfunctions.