Elevator Caliper Brake With Elastic Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caliper brakes for elevator systems face issues with varying force loading on spring accumulators, leading to potential fatigue fractures and vibrations, which can cause instability and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A caliper brake design featuring swivable brake calipers with an elastic brake arm and fulcrum, where the brake arm extends opposite to the brake pad, allowing for a predefined press-on force independent of the actual braking force, and an actuating mechanism with toggle levers and force accumulators to reduce dynamic forces and enable precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spring accumulator is used to provide braking force through a toggle lever, then the braking force can be generated, but the spring accumulator is loaded with varying force throughout the braking process, leading to fatigue fractures and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The brake arm is designed as an elastic element that dynamically adapts its stiffness characteristics during the braking process. The elastic brake arm absorbs and dampens force variations, maintaining constant press-on force on the brake pad while protecting the spring accumulator from damaging force fluctuations that would cause fatigue fractures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mechanical parameters of the brake arm during operation. By designing the brake arm with specific elastic properties and geometric characteristics, the system transforms the varying force from the spring accumulator into a constant press-on force on the brake pad, while the brake arm itself experiences controlled deformation that prevents force transmission to the spring accumulator.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the brake arm is made elastic to provide constant press-on force, then the braking stability is improved, but the brake arm must withstand high stresses requiring high-strength materials
Solution Approach 1:
The brake arm is constructed from composite materials combining high-strength steel with optimized geometric design. This composite approach allows the brake arm to withstand the high stresses required for elastic deformation while maintaining practical dimensions and weight. The high-strength material enables the elastic brake arm to function reliably under extreme loading conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the brake caliper is made swivelable with a predefined brake position, then the braking process becomes more stable and controllable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swivelable brake caliper design allows the brake arm to automatically assume its predefined brake position through the elastic deformation and force equilibrium. The system self-regulates the brake position without requiring additional actuators or control mechanisms, as the elastic brake arm naturally seeks its equilibrium position where the press-on force is constant and optimal.
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 design ensures a stable and safe braking process by maintaining constant force application on the guiderail, reducing the risk of fatigue fractures and allowing for smaller actuation forces, while also enabling adjustable braking forces and compact dimensions for the caliper brake.
Implementation Method 1
The brake arm is elastic and preferably embodied at least partly as a leaf spring
Implementation Method 2
the brake arm extends from the fulcrum in the direction opposite to the brake pad
Implementation Method 3
with toggle levers, the brake calipers can be brought out of a ready position into a braking position
Implementation Method 4
In the braking position, the brake pads are in mechanical engagement with, for example, a guiderail
Data Source
AI summary
A caliper brake for elevator systems has at least one, and preferably two, brake calipers. Each brake caliper has at least one brake pad on a respective brake arm pivoted at a fulcrum. The brake caliper can be swiveled at least into a ready position and into a braking position. The brake arm is elastic and preferably embodied at least partly as a leaf spring.