Elevator Safety Gear Actuation via Electromechanical Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in effectively actuating and resetting safety gears, particularly for counterweights, which require mechanical limiters that are often cumbersome and energy-intensive, and lack efficient electrical control solutions for rapid actuation and low energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a device using a shared pressure accumulator to synchronously actuate safety wedges on guide rails, coupled with a remotely actuatable resetting mechanism, and an electronic limiter system that includes electromagnets for safe and simultaneous activation of safety gears, allowing integration with conventional safety systems and enabling energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical limiters are used to actuate safety gears on counterweights, then safety function is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical limiter system with an electromechanical actuation system. An electromagnet is used to actuate the safety gear on the counterweight, eliminating the need for complex mechanical limiters. The electromagnet can be controlled electrically to engage or disengage the safety gear, providing a simpler and more controllable system while maintaining the safety function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromechanical actuation mechanism between the electrical control system and the safety gear. This intermediary system includes an electromagnet that converts electrical signals into mechanical motion to engage the safety gear, providing a bridge between electrical control and mechanical safety functions without requiring direct mechanical linkages.
2Reliability
If mechanical limiters are used for safety gear actuation, then safety is ensured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical actuation system operates periodically only when needed for safety intervention, rather than requiring continuous energy input to maintain mechanical limiter tension. The electromagnet can be activated on-demand to engage the safety gear, consuming energy only during actuation events rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining safety.
3Speed
If large electromagnetic units are used to actuate safety gears directly, then rapid actuation is achieved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electromagnet with the existing safety gear structure, integrating the actuation mechanism into the safety gear assembly rather than using a separate large electromagnetic unit. This integration allows the electromagnet to work cooperatively with the mechanical components already present, achieving rapid actuation without requiring a disproportionately large electromagnetic unit.
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 provides rapid and reliable actuation of safety gears with low energy consumption, simplifies installation, ensures functionality during power failures, and allows for seamless integration with existing elevator systems, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of a device using a shared pressure accumulator to synchronously actuate safety wedges on guide rails, coupled with a remotely actuatable resetting mechanism, and an electronic limiter system that includes electromagnets for safe and simultaneous activation of safety gears
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator system (1) with a cabin (2) and counterweight (3) and with safety gears (11, 11a, 11b, 11g) which are attached to the cabin (2) and the counterweight (3). The cabin (2) includes an electrically controlled device for actuating and, if necessary, resetting the safety gear (14, 14a, 14b), and the counterweight (3) also includes an electrically controlled device (14, 14g) with a safety gear (11, 11g), or the safety gear (11, 11g) of the counterweight (3) is actuated by means of a slack rope release (56).