Integrated Elevator Safety Brake With Electromagnetic Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety brake systems for elevator systems require separate electronic safety actuators and mechanical linkages, which increase complexity and costs, and may not efficiently transition from a non-braking to a braking state.
Innovation Solution
A safety brake system utilizing first and second braking members biased towards each other, with an electromagnetic actuator that changes states to directly transition from a non-braking to a braking state, eliminating the need for a separate electronic safety actuation mechanism, and incorporating a resilient member or magnet for biasing, and a housing with guide channels for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate electronic safety actuator and mechanical linkages are used to activate the safety brake, then the braking function can be achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electromagnetic actuator and safety brake into a single integrated unit. The electromagnetic actuator is positioned within the safety brake assembly, eliminating the need for separate electronic safety actuators and mechanical linkages. The actuator directly moves the braking members between engaged and disengaged positions, merging previously separate components into one unified device that reduces complexity while maintaining braking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The safety brake assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the braking mechanism through braking members that engage with the guide rail, acts as the housing structure, and incorporates the electromagnetic actuator for activation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If separate electronic safety actuator and mechanical linkages are used, then the safety brake can be activated, but manufacturing costs and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the electromagnetic actuator directly into the safety brake assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. The actuator is positioned within the brake housing and directly connected to the braking members, eliminating the need for separate mechanical linkages and reducing assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and production time
3Reliability
If conventional mechanical linkages are used to transition the safety brake from non-braking to braking state, then the braking action can be achieved, but the transition efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate mechanical linkages from the activation mechanism. The electromagnetic actuator directly moves the braking members between engaged and disengaged positions without requiring separate mechanical transmission components. This direct-actuation approach eliminates unnecessary intermediate steps and improves the efficiency of the braking state transition
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 simplifies the safety brake system, reduces manufacturing costs and time, and ensures efficient engagement with the guide rail by eliminating the need for additional actuation components, while providing reliable braking through the combined action of the braking members and electromagnetic actuator.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator, wherein the safety brake is configured such that: the first and second braking members are biased towards one another in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the first and second braking members are held in a non-braking state spaced apart from one another and the guide rail when the electromagnetic actuator is in a first state; and such that, when the electromagnetic actuator is in a second state, the first and second braking members are moved into the braking state
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a resilient member or magnet for biasing
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a resilient member or magnet for biasing
Data Source
AI summary
A safety brake for an elevator system including a car and a guide rail is provided. The safety brake is adapted to limit movement of the car in a first direction (D1) along the guide rail when in a braking state and comprises: first and second braking members adapted to be wedged against the guide rail when in a braking state; and an electromagnetic actuator, wherein the safety brake is configured such that: the first and second braking members are biased towards one another in a second direction (D2) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (D1); the first and second braking members are held in a non-braking state spaced apart from one another and the guide rail when the electromagnetic actuator is in a first state; and when the electromagnetic actuator is in a second state, the first and second braking members are moved into the braking state.