Elevator Safety Gear Wedging Block with Rolling Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current parachute devices for elevating devices are bulky, require numerous moving parts, and consume significant energy, making them inefficient for emergency braking situations.

Innovation Solution

A compact parachute device with reduced moving parts and energy consumption, where the rolling element remains in constant contact with the guide, utilizing an electromagnet and elastic means for activation and deactivation, ensuring synchronized vertical movement and minimizing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wheel linked to a movable block of a wedge is used with electronic activation means, then emergency braking function is achieved, but the device occupies considerable space and requires a large number of parts and moving elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency braking functionVSAvoidnumber of parts and moving elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary moving elements from the conventional parachute device. Specifically, it removes the complex electronic activation means, movable inclined elements, and separate wheel mounting mechanisms, retaining only the essential friction element, rolling element, and elastic means for achieving the braking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into fewer components. The friction element is directly linked to the rolling element, eliminating the need for separate wheel and wedge mechanisms. The elastic pushing means simultaneously provides both the activation force and the resetting force, merging multiple functional requirements into a single component system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a wheel linked to a movable block of a wedge with electronic activation means is used, then emergency braking function is achieved, but the device consumes considerable energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency braking functionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electronic activation means with a purely mechanical activation system. Instead of using electronic motors or actuators to move the wheel, the invention uses elastic pushing means that automatically activate the braking function through mechanical force when needed, eliminating energy-consuming electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic pushing means automatically activates and resets the braking mechanism without requiring external energy input. The system uses the kinetic energy already present in the moving car to activate the brake, and the elastic means naturally reset the mechanism after use, making the system self-servicing and energy-efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the rolling element is kept in constant contact rolling on the guide, then the device becomes more compact and simpler, but activation control becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of moving partsVSAvoidactivation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a friction element as an intermediary between the rolling element and the guide. This friction element acts as a mediator that transfers force from the rolling element to the guide, enabling activation control without requiring complex mechanisms. The friction element can be selectively engaged or disengaged to control the braking activation.

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

The solution results in a more compact, reliable, and energy-efficient braking system that reduces wear and space requirements while maintaining effective braking performance.

Implementation Method 1

the rolling element is kept in contact at all times rolling on the guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

elastic means for activation and deactivation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4053062B1Safety gear for elevating devices, elevating devices and method for activating said device
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 ORONA
  • EP4053062B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

Safety gear comprising a wedging block (1), comprising a catch element (2) and a braking element (3), and a rolling element (4) housed in a longitudinal guide (6) located on a support plate (7) and actuated by elastic pushing means (8) that keep the rolling element (4) in contact, with the possibility of rolling, with the guide (A), wherein all relative linear movement between the rolling (4) and braking (3) elements is prevented, the device comprising a friction element (5) that can contact the rolling element (4), so that the transition from the rest position to the wedging position occurs when the friction element (5) contacts the rolling element (4) and there is relative movement between the support plate (7) and the guide (A).