Elevator Rope Control Device with Friction Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face challenges in maintaining control over vertically extending members like ropes or cables during installation and maintenance, as they tend to move unpredictably, leading to potential damage and inconvenience due to runaway ropes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base, speed control member, and stop member is used to secure and control the movement of vertically extending members, featuring a foot pedal for manual control to prevent unwanted movement and a handle for speed adjustment, ensuring the rope remains stable and manageable during roping procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control methods are used for vertically extending members, then ease of operation is maintained, but control precision and safety deteriorate due to unpredictable rope movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the friction characteristics between the rope and control device through adjustable pressure mechanisms. The normal force parameter is varied to control the friction force, enabling precise speed control and stopping of the vertically extending member while maintaining manual operation. This resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of manual operation and reliable control through friction parameter adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If friction-based speed control is applied, then speed control precision is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs equipotentiality by creating a balanced friction control system where the friction force naturally equilibrates with the gravitational force on the vertically extending member. The control device adjusts normal force to achieve friction-induced equilibrium, providing precise speed control without complex active control systems. This approach maintains relatively simple device structure while achieving accurate speed regulation.
3Reliability
If automatic stopping mechanisms are implemented, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced manual control flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a friction-based control system that automatically provides stopping capability through friction force generation. The operator simply applies normal force to the control device, and the system self-regulates to provide both speed control and automatic stopping without requiring separate control mechanisms. This maintains manual control flexibility while ensuring safety through the inherent friction-based stopping action.
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 device effectively maintains control over vertically extending members, preventing runaway situations and allowing for precise management during elevator roping, enhancing safety and efficiency in installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is positioned within the base for applying friction-induced stopping power to the vertically extending member
Implementation Method 2
A brake pad is positioned to engage an outside surface on the load bearing member when the stop member is in the stop position
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for controlling a vertically extending member includes a device having a stop member and a speed control member for controlling movement of the vertically extending member such as an elevator load bearing member during a roping procedure. In a disclosed example, the stop member is biased into a stop position where the vertically extending member is locked between a brake pad and a guiding member so that the vertically extending member cannot move relative to the device. An example input member for moving the stop member out of the stop position comprises a foot pedal that can be manipulated to control a position of the stop member. Absent manual manipulation of the input member, the stop member prevents movement of the vertically extending member. In a disclosed example, a speed control member comprises a pad that selectively engages a vertically extending member responsive to manual manipulation of a handle for moving the pad relative to a base of the device.