Elevator Catching Device Linear Bearing Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator catching devices require significant forces to release the safety brake, making them difficult to operate efficiently, especially when the elevator car or counterweight needs to be lifted out of a catch.
Innovation Solution
A catching device with first and second braking elements guided by linear bearings, actuated by a single element that moves guide elements from a rest position to a braking initial position, allowing for controlled braking and easy release by leveraging frictional forces and energy storage mechanisms like springs or electromagnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a catching device uses a safety brake that requires large forces to release, then the braking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catching device is divided into two independent braking elements (first braking element and second braking element) that can be actuated separately. Each braking element has its own guide element and linear bearing, allowing the system to distribute the braking force and release mechanism into modular segments. This segmentation enables one braking element to remain engaged while the other is released, maintaining safety while reducing the force required for release operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A single actuating element is introduced as an intermediary mechanism that controls both guide elements. This actuating element mediates between the operator and the two braking elements, allowing centralized control with reduced effort. The actuating element translates a single input force into coordinated movement of both guide elements, making the release operation easier while maintaining reliable braking engagement.
2Power
If the catching device uses frictional braking elements pressed against the rail, then the braking effectiveness is improved, but the force required to overcome friction during release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage systems with linear bearings that guide the braking elements. These linear bearings reduce friction between the moving parts, substituting high-friction mechanical contact with low-friction guided movement. This allows the braking elements to maintain strong frictional contact with the rail for effective braking, while the guide mechanism requires minimal force to move during release operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter by introducing linear bearings between the guide elements and braking elements. This transformation converts a high-friction mechanical system into a low-friction guided system. The linear bearings enable the guide elements to move smoothly with minimal force, allowing the braking elements to be pressed firmly against the rail for effective braking without requiring excessive force for release.
3Device complexity
If the catching device uses a single actuating element to control two guide elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of individual braking element control may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuating element is designed with multi-functionality to control both guide elements simultaneously. This universal actuating mechanism can operate both braking elements in coordinated fashion, reducing the overall number of control components. The actuating element serves multiple functions: it can engage both braking elements, release both braking elements, and maintain them in intermediate positions, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining adequate control precision through its designed geometry and linkage.
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
Enables the catching device to be triggered and released with minimal additional force, ensuring safe braking and efficient operation by utilizing the stored energy to move guide elements into braking positions, reducing the effort needed to lift the traveling body out of the catch.
Implementation Method 1
The frictional force is transferred to the traveling body and thereby causes braking
Implementation Method 2
The braking elements of the catching device are typically designed to generate a frictional force on a rail if they are pressed against the rail
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a catching device are used to catch a traveling body in an elevator system wherein traveling body is movable along a rail. The catching device includes a first braking element, a second braking element, a first guide element, a second guide element and an actuating element. The first braking element and the second braking element are brought into contact with the rail for braking. A first linear bearing is formed between the first braking element and the first guide element and a second linear bearing is formed between the second braking element and the second guide element. Both guide elements are moved between a rest position and a braking initial position, the actuating element moving the two guide elements from the rest position into the braking initial position.