Elevator Brake Rotor With Helical Thread For Power Loss Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator braking systems often rely on friction mechanisms that are limited to downward motion and may fail in case of power loss or mechanical malfunction, posing safety risks and requiring separate emergency braking devices.
Innovation Solution
A servo-controlled brake system with a helical thread rotor that engages with a brake rail, allowing for emergency braking and normal halting operations by synchronizing the rotor's rotation with the elevator's movement, using a programmable logic controller for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction-based braking mechanisms are used, then braking function is achieved, but the system is limited to downward motion and may fail in case of power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional friction-based mechanical braking mechanisms with a servo-controlled system that uses precise motor control and feedback mechanisms. The servo motor controls the brake shoe engagement with the rail through electronic control signals, eliminating reliance on passive friction elements that are limited to downward motion. This substitution enables reliable braking in both upward and downward directions through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The servo-controlled braking system serves multiple functions: it provides normal braking during downward motion, emergency braking during power loss, and can operate in both upward and downward directions. The single brake assembly with servo control replaces the need for separate braking devices for different motion conditions, achieving multi-functionality and universal applicability across all operating scenarios.
2Reliability
If separate emergency braking devices are used, then safety during power loss is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the normal braking function and emergency braking function into a single brake assembly controlled by a servo motor. The brake shoe, brake rail, and servo control mechanism form an integrated system that automatically switches between normal operation and emergency braking modes based on system conditions. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate emergency braking devices while maintaining safety during power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The servo-controlled brake system automatically detects power loss conditions and activates emergency braking without requiring separate control systems or manual intervention. The feedback mechanism monitors system status and triggers the brake assembly to engage with the rail when power loss is detected, enabling the system to service its own safety requirements through self-diagnosis and automatic response.
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 system ensures safe and controlled elevator movement by preventing rapid descent in case of power loss and eliminating the need for separate braking devices, providing reliable and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a helical thread on the outer cylindrical surface of the rotor for loosely engaging the gaps in the brake rail, the thread having a width and helical pitch whereby with successive turns of the rotor, the thread loosely engages successive gaps in the brake rail for movement of the rotor along the brake rail
Implementation Method 2
A common characteristic among conventional elevator braking systems, including those just referenced, is that the holding mechanism typically involves friction between the elements of each braking system and the supporting structures or the driving mechanisms of the elevator system
Data Source
AI summary
A braking system and method for an apparatus or vehicle moved along a pathway by an apparatus drive mechanism, for halting the movement of the apparatus or vehicle in the event that the drive mechanism loses power or malfunctions. A conveyance system includes a pathway, an moving apparatus moving along the pathway, the apparatus drive mechanism, a brake rail along the pathway having along one edge a multiplicity of regularly spaced teeth with gaps between successive teeth, and a brake device mounted securely to the apparatus. The brake device includes a rotatably driven rotor having outer helical threads for running the gaps in the brake rail with successive turns of the driven rotor without touching the teeth.