Elevator Safety Actuation Device Self-Powered Wind Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator safety systems require additional power cables or wires, increasing complexity and costs, and existing systems fail to effectively arrest excessive speed or acceleration without them.
Innovation Solution
An electronic safety actuation device with a power assembly that includes a wind turbine to generate power within the hoistway, coupled with a power storage device and controller for wireless signal transmission, eliminating the need for additional cables by harnessing motion-generated power and using a magnetic brake for safety engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional safety systems use additional travelling cables or power wires to power the safety mechanism, then the safety system can be positively actuated, but the device complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety actuation device generates its own power through a wind turbine that harnesses the kinetic energy from the elevator's motion. The turbine converts the movement of the elevator car or counterweight into electrical energy to power the electromagnetic component, eliminating the need for external power cables or wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based power transmission system with an electromagnetic system. Instead of using physical cables to deliver power, the invention uses a wind turbine coupled with an electromagnetic component to generate and transmit power wirelessly or through minimal connection to the safety actuation device.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional safety systems require additional power wires to the elevator car and counterweight, then the safety mechanism can function, but the installation costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety actuation device is self-powered by utilizing the wind turbine that converts the elevator's own motion into electrical energy. This eliminates the need for separate power wire installations to the elevator car and counterweight, simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbine serves multiple functions: it generates power for the electromagnetic component, utilizes the existing motion of the elevator system, and eliminates the need for separate power transmission infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces both installation complexity and overall system cost.
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 provides a self-sustaining power source for the safety system, reducing material and installation costs while effectively arresting excessive elevator speeds without additional cables, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a power generating device disposed within the hoistway and operably coupled to the elevator component, wherein the power generating device is configured to generate power when the elevator component is in motion
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic brake disposed adjacent to the electromagnetic component, the magnetic brake configured to move between an engaging position and a non-engaging position based in part on a holding force
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnetic component operably coupled to the housing, the electromagnetic component operably coupled to the power assembly, wherein the electromagnetic component is configured generate an actuation or reset
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system including a hoistway, an elevator component disposed in the hoistway, a power generating device disposed within the hoistway and operably coupled to the elevator component, wherein the power generating device is configured to generate power when the elevator component is in motion.