Symmetric Elevator Disc Brake Structure for Lower Machinery Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator braking devices face limitations in cost, complexity, and operational efficiency, with cheap block brakes imposing high loads on machinery and disc brakes being too expensive for cost-sensitive environments, failing to meet application needs effectively.

Innovation Solution

An elevator braking device with a brake disc having opposite sides, featuring a body, support member, guide member, and friction members, utilizing a control portion with electromagnetic and elastic components to manage braking states, reducing component complexity and cost while ensuring efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a block brake is used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the load on motor rotor and bracket increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidload on motor rotor and bracket
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The brake friction member is divided into two separate friction surfaces (first friction surface and second friction surface) that act on opposite sides of the brake disc. This segmentation allows the braking force to be distributed symmetrically, reducing the net load on the motor rotor and bracket while maintaining effective braking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brake structure uses a symmetrical design where the first friction member and second friction member apply equal and opposite forces on the brake disc. This counterbalancing approach cancels out the reaction forces, reducing the overall load on the motor rotor and bracket compared to single-sided block brakes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Force

If a disc brake is used to reduce load on machinery, then load on equipment is reduced, but device complexity and price increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload on machinery equipmentVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the advantages of disc brakes (symmetrical braking, reduced load) with a simplified structure. The brake friction member integrates both friction surfaces on a single component that can pivot or move as one unit, reducing the number of separate parts compared to traditional disc brake assemblies while maintaining the load-reducing symmetrical force application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The brake friction member serves multiple functions: it provides braking contact on both sides of the disc, acts as a lever arm for the actuating force, and transmits the braking force symmetrically to reduce load on the motor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a block brake with one-way braking pressure is used, then structure is simplified, but reaction force exerts large load on motor rotor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidreaction force on motor rotor
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying braking force from one side of the brake disc, the patent inverts the approach by applying friction forces from both sides simultaneously. The first friction member contacts the first side of the brake disc while the second friction member contacts the second side, creating symmetrical opposing forces that cancel out the reaction force on the motor rotor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 effectively reduces component count, saves space, lowers costs, and ensures reliable performance, making it suitable for various elevator environments and expanding its application scope.

Implementation Method 1

the electromagnetic member provides an electromagnetic force to overcome the acting force and move the moving member towards the fixed member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the first force supply member provides an acting force to the moving member to move it towards the first side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the first friction member moves along the guide member under control of the control portion to be in contact with the first side to perform a braking operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4332043A1Elevator braking device and elevator system
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4332043A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4332043A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4332043A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an elevator braking device and an elevator system. The elevator braking device is used for performing braking operations on an elevator driving device comprising a brake disc (20) and it has a first state and a second state, and comprises: a body (10), with its interior accommodating at least a part of the brake disc (20), and a support member (30) axially fixed relative to the brake disc (20); a guide member (15) connected to the support member (30), wherein the body (10) is movable relative to the brake disc (20) along the guide member (15); a first friction member (11) and a control portion which are arranged inside the body (10) and adjacent to a first side (21) of the brake disc, wherein a part of the control portion is connected to the body (10), and the first friction member (11) moves along the guide member (15) under control of the control portion to be in contact with the first side (21) to perform a braking operation in a first state, and to be out of contact with the first side (21) in a second state, respectively; and a second friction member (12) arranged inside the body (10) and adjacent to a second side (22) of the brake disc (20), wherein the second friction member (12) is connected to the body (10) and is in contact with the second side (22) to perform a braking operation in the first state, and is out of contact with the second side (22) when the body (10) is moved along the guide member (15) as the first friction member (11) is out of contact with the first side (21) in the second state.