Elevator Remote Braking Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator emergency braking apparatuses rely solely on a solenoid for releasing braking, leading to prolonged maintenance procedures and passenger anxiety when unexpected braking occurs due to solenoid failure, requiring manual intervention and countermeasures to prevent car movement during repairs.
Innovation Solution
An elevator with a remote braking release mechanism that allows for the release of braking through a mechanism involving pivoting movable arms and a mechanical power transmitting system, enabling maintenance personnel to remotely disengage the braking mechanism from a landing, reducing the need for on-site intervention and shortening the time to resolve unexpected braking issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solenoid is used as the only means of releasing braking, then the braking mechanism can be simple and reliable during normal operation, but maintenance time increases and passenger anxiety prolongs when solenoid failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The braking release function is segmented into two independent systems: the original solenoid actuator for normal operation and a new manual release mechanism for emergency situations. This segmentation ensures that failure of one system does not prevent the other from functioning, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling quick maintenance without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual release mechanism enables maintenance personnel to service the solenoid without requiring complex diagnostic tools or specialized equipment. By providing a simple mechanical override that can be operated with basic hand tools, the system allows self-service level maintenance, reducing maintenance time and eliminating the need for extensive countermeasures to prevent car movement during repairs.
2Device complexity
If maintenance personnel must enter the hoistway to replace or repair the solenoid, then the braking mechanism can be simple, but safety risks increase and work duration extends
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical intermediary system (manual release mechanism with operating handle and linkage) is introduced between the operator and the braking mechanism. This intermediary allows maintenance personnel to release braking from outside the hoistway or from safer positions, eliminating the need to enter the hoistway while maintaining the simplicity of the overall braking mechanism.
3Reliability
If countermeasures are adopted to prevent car movement during solenoid repair, then safety can be maintained, but work time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release mechanism is pre-configured with a direct mechanical linkage to the braking system. Before maintenance begins, the mechanism is ready to immediately release braking when the operating handle is turned, eliminating the need for preliminary safety countermeasures such as blocking the car or securing it in position. This preliminary preparation of the release path enables immediate action while maintaining safety.
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
Enables quick and remote release of braking, reducing the time and effort required for maintenance and minimizing passenger anxiety by allowing for prompt resolution of unexpected braking events without the need for extensive on-site work.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid that is activated by inputting an electrical signal, that is connected to the pressing body, and that separates the pressing body from the guide rail during normal operation and pushes the pressing body in between the inclined surface and the guide rail during braking
Implementation Method 2
applies a force that pivots first and second movable arms around a coupling shaft in a direction that moves second end portions of the movable arms closer to each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An elevator 1 includes a car braking apparatus 20A, the car braking apparatus includes a main body portion 21A that is installed on the car 15, the main body portion includes: first and second movable arms 23A, 23B that have first end portions that face each other on opposite sides of the car guide rail 14A; braking members 34a that are fixed the first and second movable arms; a coil spring 35 that forces the first and second movable arms in a direction in which the braking members hold the car guide rail under pressure; and an actuator 40 that generates an electromagnetic force in opposition to the force from the coil spring such that the second end portions of the first and second movable arms move closer together, and includes a remote braking release mechanism 50A that is coupled to the car braking apparatus, and that is configured so as to enable a force to be applied by operation from a landing that pivots the first and second movable arms in a direction that moves the second end portions of the first and second movable arms closer to each other.