Elevator Clamp Brake Pivot Axle Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator brake devices struggle with automatic centering relative to the guide rail due to pivot points being stationary, requiring precise car positioning and complex actuator mobilization, which complicates power supply failures and frictional contact prevention.
Innovation Solution
A brake device with a pivotable clamp arm connected to the car and an actuator-activated clamp arm that allows self-centering and direct actuation, using a four-bar linkage mechanism to transmit normal forces without shear forces, ensuring the brake clamp automatically centers and maintains contact with the guide rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the toggle lever mechanism has stationary pivot points relative to the car, then the brake device can be actuated reliably, but the position of the toggle lever mechanism is predetermined and automatic centering relative to the guide rail is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pivot points of the toggle lever mechanism movable relative to the car instead of stationary. The pivot points are supported by bearings that allow them to move along with the car's position variations, enabling the brake clamp to automatically center itself on the guide rail while maintaining reliable brake actuation. This dynamic support resolves the contradiction between reliability and automatic centering capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the car is held precisely centered on the guide rails, then the toggle lever mechanism can be centered on the guide rail, but complex actuator mobilization is required and power supply failures complicate the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the brake clamp to automatically center itself on the guide rail through the movable pivot points supported by bearings. The system self-adjusts to the car's position without requiring complex actuator mobilization or precise manual positioning, reducing system complexity and improving ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the brake clamp is designed to follow guide rail position deviations, then automatic centering is achieved, but the clamp structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity by using movable pivot points supported by bearings instead of a complex adjustable mechanism. The dynamic support allows the clamp to naturally follow guide rail position deviations and achieve automatic centering through simple bearing-supported movement, minimizing structural complexity while maximizing adaptability.
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 solution enables reliable, fail-safe braking with reduced complexity in actuator systems and prevents unintended frictional contact, ensuring effective braking even in power supply failures and local position deviations of the guide rail.
Implementation Method 1
only one of the clamp arms of the at least one brake clamp is connected to the car in pivoting fashion via a bearing with a pivot axle that is affixed to the car
Implementation Method 2
using a four-bar linkage mechanism to transmit normal forces without shear forces
Implementation Method 3
at least two brake shoes situated opposite from each other, which can be pressed against the braking rail to execute a braking or holding action
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator with a brake device for braking a car and/or keeping it stationary on at least one braking rail. The brake device has at least two brake shoes situated opposite from each other, and at least one brake clamp with two clamp arms for opening and closing clamp jaws acting on the brake shoes. In certain embodiments, only one of the clamp arms is connected to the car in pivoting fashion via a bearing with a pivot axle that is affixed to the car, oriented parallel to the direction of travel. In certain embodiments, the brake clamp is supported on the car in such a way that the clamp jaws, by pivoting together in the same direction, are able to follow a movement that is forced on a brake shoe due to local position deviations of the associated braking rail.