Elevator Overspeed Brake Actuation Without Cross-Car Linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional elevator overspeed safety systems rely on mechanical linkages that can be cumbersome and less efficient in detecting and responding to overspeed events, particularly in electrical systems without physical linkages across the car.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical overspeed safety system using a roller guide actuator with a connecting link wound about a reel, where the actuator module is operably connected to a safety brake, allowing for simultaneous engagement of safety brakes with the guide rail through electrical signals, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical linkages are used to connect safety brakes across the elevator car, then the safety system can engage both guide rails simultaneously, but the system becomes more complex and less responsive to overspeed events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linkage system with an electrical control system. Sensors detect overspeed conditions and send electrical signals to actuators that independently engage safety brakes on both guide rails, eliminating the need for physical mechanical linkages while maintaining simultaneous brake engagement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system is divided into independent modular units - sensors on one side of the car, electrical signaling systems, and actuators on each side - that can independently detect and respond to overspeed conditions without requiring mechanical connection between opposing sides of the car.
2Reliability
If mechanical linkages are used to span the width of the elevator car, then opposing safety brakes can be engaged simultaneously, but the response time to overspeed events is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical signals replace mechanical transmission to communicate overspeed detection from sensors to actuators. This substitution enables near-instantaneous transmission of engagement commands across the car width, eliminating the time delay inherent in mechanical linkage transmission while ensuring simultaneous brake engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor car speed and pre-position the electrical control system to immediately trigger brake actuators when overspeed conditions are detected, eliminating the response delay that would occur with mechanical systems that must physically transmit force across the car.
3Loss of time
If electrical overspeed safety systems are used without mechanical linkages, then the system responds faster to overspeed events, but the ability to ensure simultaneous engagement of safety brakes on both guide rails is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an electrical control architecture where a central controller receives overspeed signals and simultaneously activates actuators on both guide rails through electrical signaling. This ensures coordinated simultaneous engagement without requiring mechanical linkages, maintaining reliability while achieving faster response times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor brake engagement status and confirm simultaneous activation on both guide rails. This feedback loop ensures that the electrical system reliably achieves the coordinated engagement that traditionally required mechanical linkages.
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 provides a more reliable and faster response to overspeed events by using electrical signals to trigger safety brakes, enhancing the safety and efficiency of elevator operations.
Implementation Method 1
a coil arranged within the actuator module, the coil configured to be energized to generate a magnetic field, wherein when energized the coil causes the first disc to transition from the first position to the second position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Elevator systems are provided. The elevator systems include a traveling component movable along a guide rail within an elevator shaft, the traveling component comprising a roller guide moveably engageable with the guide rail and an overspeed safety system. The overspeed safety system includes an actuator module operably coupled to the roller guide and a safety brake operably connected to the actuator module by a connecting link, wherein a safety brake element of the safety brake is operable to engage with the guide rail to stop movement of the traveling component.