Elevator Current Cut-Off Arrangement With Segmented Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator current cut-off arrangements are cumbersome and costly due to the need for large, expensive main switches and isolation switches, which occupy valuable space in the control cabinet and require power supply cables to pass through, limiting the placement of the control cabinet and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A combined main switch arrangement using a small, low-current manual switch and an electronically controlled switch, where the contactor is positioned near the hoisting machinery, allowing the control cabinet to be positioned elsewhere and eliminating the need for power cables to pass through it, with integrated monitoring for fault detection and alarm signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large main switches and isolation switches are used in the control cabinet, then reliable current cut-off is achieved, but the control cabinet size increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the current cut-off function into two separate locations: a small first switch in the control cabinet for control circuit interruption, and a contactor near the hoisting machinery for main power interruption. This segmentation allows each component to be smaller while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary between the first switch and the contactor. The control circuit includes a control coil that, when energized through the first switch, actuates the contactor to open or close the main power circuit. This intermediary mechanism allows a small switch to control a larger power interruption function.
2Reliability
If large main switches and isolation switches are used in the control cabinet, then reliable current cut-off is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the expensive main switch function into two parts: a small, inexpensive first switch for control purposes and a contactor positioned near the hoisting machinery for main power interruption. This reduces the cost of equipment in the control cabinet while maintaining reliable current cut-off capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the main power interruption function from the control cabinet and places it in a contactor near the hoisting machinery. This extraction removes the need for expensive large switches and isolation switches in the control cabinet, reducing overall system cost while maintaining safety and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If power supply cables pass through the control cabinet, then power distribution is achieved, but the control cabinet placement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the main power distribution point from the control cabinet by positioning the contactor near the hoisting machinery. Power supply cables can now be connected directly to the contactor without passing through the control cabinet, enabling flexible placement of the control cabinet anywhere in the elevator car.
Solution Approach 2:
The contactor serves as an intermediary power distribution point between the power supply and the hoisting machinery. By positioning the contactor near the hoisting machinery, it acts as a local power distribution hub, eliminating the need for cables to route through the control cabinet and enabling flexible cabinet placement.
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
This solution reduces the size of the control cabinet, eliminates the need for large switches, and enhances elevator safety by enabling self-shutdown in fault situations and reducing costs while maintaining efficient power distribution and monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a control coil (220) arranged to be energized from the voltage supply via the first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The arrangement comprises a drive (45) driving an electric motor (44), a contactor (200) and a control circuit (400) connecting a control coil (220) of the contactor to a power supply (250). The control circuit comprises a manual control part provided with a manually operated first switch (S1), and an electronical control part provided with an electronically operated second switch (S2) and a processor (240) controlling the second switch. The first switch and the second switch are connected in series in the control circuit with the power supply and the control coil of the contactor so that de-energization of the control coil of the contactor may be done either by the first switch or by the second switch.