Elevator Governor Actuator Assembly with Magnetic Latch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator governor systems face challenges in reliably preventing inadvertent activation of safety linkages during normal speed conditions, leading to unnecessary braking, and require costly and complex mechanical adjustments to resist deceleration forces.

Innovation Solution

An actuator assembly that includes a permanent magnet latch and an electromagnetic component, electrically coupled to the governor system, which ensures reliable non-activation of the safety linkage during normal conditions and allows controlled tripping upon detecting an overspeed condition, using a controller with a back-up power supply for reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices are used to resist deceleration forces in stationary governor rope systems, then the safety linkage can prevent inadvertent activation, but the device complexity increases and requires costly mechanical adjustments and factory/field tuning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of inadvertent safety activationVSAvoidcomplexity of force-resisting device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical force-resisting devices with an electromagnetic actuator assembly that uses magnetic fields to control the safety linkage actuating lever. The electromagnetic component can be precisely controlled via electrical signals to prevent inadvertent activation without requiring mechanical adjustments or factory tuning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical force resistance to electromagnetic field strength, which can be precisely adjusted via electrical voltage or current control. This allows reliable prevention of inadvertent activation while eliminating the need for mechanical device adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If mechanical devices are used to resist deceleration forces, then safety linkage stability is improved, but manufacturing and installation costs increase due to required adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of safety linkageVSAvoidease of installation and adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuator assembly replaces mechanical force-resisting devices, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustments during installation. The electromagnetic component can be installed in a standardized manner and controlled via electrical signals, significantly simplifying manufacturing and installation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If force-resisting devices are implemented in governor systems, then reliability against inadvertent actuation is improved, but the device requires performance matching to particular systems increasing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability against inadvertent actuationVSAvoidadaptability to different governor systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuator assembly is designed as a universal component that can be applied to various governor systems without requiring custom mechanical adjustments. The electromagnetic component can be controlled via standardized electrical signals and adapted to different systems through software or control parameters rather than physical modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 prevents inadvertent safety actuation and eliminates the need for costly mechanical adjustments by ensuring the safety linkage is only activated when an overspeed condition is detected, providing reliable and efficient deceleration of the elevator car or counterweight.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic component, electrically coupled to the governor system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic component: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a holding force generated by a permanent magnet latch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermanent magnet: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3147246B1Actuator assembly for an elevator governor system and method

Publication Date: 2020.02.26 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

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AI summary

An actuator assembly for an elevator governor system includes a governor for detecting an overspeed condition. Also included is a safety linkage actuating lever operatively coupled to the governor. Further included is at least one safety operatively coupled to the safety linkage actuating lever and configured to apply a braking force during an overspeed condition. Yet further included is a permanent magnet latch engaged with the safety linkage actuating lever, the permanent magnet latch preventing actuation of the safety by the safety linkage actuating lever during a normal speed condition. Also included is an electromagnetic component disposed proximate the safety linkage actuating lever and the permanent magnet latch and in operative communication with the governor, the electromagnetic component in an energized condition during the overspeed condition to overcome a force applied by the permanent magnet latch to the safety linkage actuating lever to actuate the safety.