Elevator Safety Block Actuation via Electromagnet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional elevator overspeed safety systems rely on mechanical linkages and governors, which are complex and require significant space, whereas electrical overspeed safety systems lack efficient mechanisms for simultaneous triggering of safety brakes during overspeed, overacceleration, or free fall events.

Innovation Solution

An electrical overspeed safety system that eliminates the need for mechanical linkages by using an electromechanical controller to simultaneously activate two brake elements on either side of the elevator car or counterweight through an actuator powered by an electromagnet and permanent magnet, allowing for electrical actuation and simple construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical linkages and governors are used for overspeed safety systems, then safety braking can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires significant space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety brakingVSAvoidmechanical linkage complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical governor and linkage system with an electrical control system. An electromagnet mounted on the car frame can electrically actuate the safety block without requiring mechanical linkages spanning the width of the car, thus substituting mechanical components with electrical ones to reduce complexity while maintaining safety braking function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the mechanical linkage component from the safety system. By using an electromagnet to directly actuate the safety block, the patent removes the need for complex mechanical linkages that previously connected opposing sides at the guide rails, thereby simplifying the overall system structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If mechanical linkages are used to trigger safety brakes, then simultaneous activation of both brakes is achieved, but the construction becomes complex and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous brake activationVSAvoidspace required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical linkages with an electrical actuation system. An electromagnet mounted on the car frame can simultaneously activate safety blocks on both guide rails through electrical control, eliminating the need for physical linkages that span across the car width and reduce the volume required for the safety system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If electrical overspeed safety systems are used, then system simplicity is improved, but efficient mechanisms for simultaneous brake triggering are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidsimultaneous brake triggering efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electrical control with mechanical actuation by using an electromagnet to directly move the safety block. This electromechanical approach maintains the simplicity of electrical systems while efficiently achieving simultaneous brake triggering through direct electromagnetic actuation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnet serves as an intermediary between the electrical control system and the mechanical safety block. It converts electrical signals into mechanical motion to actuate the safety block, bridging the gap between electrical simplicity and mechanical reliability for simultaneous brake triggering

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Provides effective and space-efficient electrical safety braking for elevator systems, enabling simultaneous triggering of safety brakes during overspeed, overacceleration, or free fall events without the need for mechanical linkages, enhancing safety and reducing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet mounted on a structural member and a permanent magnet mounted on the safety block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the biasing member comprises a first spring attached at a first side of the safety block and a second spring attached at a second side of the safety block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3702310B1Elevator safety with translating safety block

Publication Date: 2022.01.26 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

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AI summary

An elevator system includes a traveling component movable along a guide rail within an elevator hoistway, the traveling component including a structural member; a safety block mounted to the structural member, the safety block translatable in a first direction and a second direction, the safety block including a first brake element and a second brake element; a biasing member configured to position the safety block in a first position corresponding to a first state in which neither the first brake element nor the second brake element is in contact with the guide rail; an actuator configured to translate the safety block in the first direction.