Elevator Safety Gear With Segmented Brake Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator safety gear systems face challenges in reliably positioning brake bodies relative to guide or brake rails, simplifying the resetting process, and ensuring cost-effective operation, particularly in adapting to different directional braking forces.

Innovation Solution

A safety gear system with a carrier and control plate that accommodates two independently movable brake elements, each designed for specific directional braking, allowing for adjustable braking force and simplified actuation through a control plate that can move between rest and braking positions using linear or pivoting movements, with optional electromagnet or mechanical locking for positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single brake body is used for both upward and downward braking, then the device structure is simpler, but the adaptability to different directional braking forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake body structureVSAvoiddirectional braking adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brake body is divided into two independent brake elements (first brake element for upward direction, second brake element for downward direction). Each brake element can be independently positioned by the control plate, allowing optimized braking surfaces for different directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If complex actuation mechanisms are used for positioning brake bodies, then the positioning reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidactuation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control plate utilizes the relative movement between the carriage and safety device to automatically position the brake elements. The friction between the brake elements and guide rail/brake rail, combined with the geometry of the control plate, causes the brake elements to self-position in their respective braking positions without requiring complex external actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If brake elements are designed to move independently, then the adaptability to different braking scenarios is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking scenario adaptabilityVSAvoidbrake element arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control plate serves multiple functions: it positions the first brake element for upward braking, positions the second brake element for downward braking, and can hold both elements in their respective positions simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows independent brake element positioning without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system provides reliable and cost-effective braking and holding capabilities, optimizing space and reducing the need for complex actuation mechanisms, enabling efficient operation in both upward and downward directions with minimal initial forces required for actuation.

Implementation Method 1

the corresponding brake element is inevitably engaged and moved into a final, or second, braking position due to friction between the brake element and the guide rail or the brake rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The control plate can be held in the rest position by means of an electromagnet, which can be switched off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP2925654B1Device for catching a cabin in a lift assembly
Publication Date: 2019.01.16 INVENTIO AG
  • EP2925654B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2925654B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2925654B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a catching device (1) for an elevator system comprising at least one traveling body which is arranged in an elevator shaft in a movable manner along a guide rail (4) and/or a brake rail. The catching device is suitable for braking and retaining the traveling body on the guide rail (4) and/or on a brake rail as required. The catching device (1) comprises a control plate (6) for receiving a brake body and for positioning the brake body relative to the guide rail (4) and/or the brake rail. The brake body is designed in at least two pieces and comprises a first brake element (7) and a second brake element (8) which are arranged in a pivotal manner about a common axis (9). The first brake element (7) is substantially designed solely for braking and retaining purposes when the traveling body is moving along the guide rail (4) and/or brake rail in an upward direction, and the second brake element (8) is designed solely for braking and retaining purposes when the traveling body is moving along the guide rail (4) and/or the brake rail in a downward direction (b).