Elevator Actuator Shape Memory Alloy Resetting Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator actuators for safety brakes, door locks, and temporary safe areas are heavy, energy-intensive, and require significant installation space, also producing noise that affects travel quality.
Innovation Solution
An actuator using a shape memory alloy resetting element that changes length in response to temperature changes, allowing for a compact, lightweight design with noise-free operation, and a fail-safe mechanism involving a retainer and armature system for reliable actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical components such as spindle motors and stroke magnets are used for actuator, then the actuator can be reliably actuated, but the weight and installation size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromechanical components (spindle motors, stroke magnets) with a shape memory alloy resetting element that uses thermal-mechanical properties to achieve actuation. The shape memory alloy element transforms from martensitic phase to austenitic phase through heating, generating mechanical force to reset the actuator, thereby eliminating heavy electromagnetic components while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the shape memory alloy material by controlling temperature transitions. The resetting element changes its mechanical properties through phase transformation at specific temperatures, enabling reliable actuation without the need for heavy electromechanical components. The transformation temperature can be adjusted to match operational requirements
2Reliability
If electromechanical components such as spindle motors and stroke magnets are used for actuator, then the actuator can be reliably actuated, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky electromechanical components with a compact shape memory alloy resetting element. The shape memory alloy element requires minimal space as it directly generates mechanical displacement through phase transformation, eliminating the need for motors, gearboxes, and other space-consuming mechanical transmission components
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy resetting element performs multiple functions within a single compact component: it provides the resetting force, acts as the actuating mechanism, and eliminates the need for separate electromagnetic actuators and transmission mechanisms, thereby reducing overall installation space
3Reliability
If electromechanical components such as spindle motors and stroke magnets are used for actuator, then the actuator can be reliably actuated, but noise output increases which prejudices travel quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical actuation with a thermal-mechanical system using shape memory alloy. The phase transformation process is inherently quiet as it involves no electromagnetic switching, no mechanical gear engagement, and no motor commutation noise, thereby eliminating the noise sources present in traditional electromechanical actuators while maintaining reliable actuation
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 actuator achieves significant weight and size reduction, improved travel comfort, and reliable operation with reduced noise, while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The resetting element is made from a shape memory alloy. The resetting element takes on a first length at a first temperature and a second length at a second temperature. The resetting element is designed for the purpose of changing from the first length to the second length and back to the first length after triggering of the actuator.
Implementation Method 2
The shape transformation is based on a temperature-dependent lattice transformation from an austenitic phase to a martensitic phase or a high-temperature phase to a low-temperature phase. The two phases can transfer from one to the other through a temperature change.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for an elevator system, which actuator can adopt an activated state and a released state, has a restoring element. The actuator is brought from the released state into the activated state by the restoring element. The restoring element is made of a shape memory alloy. At a first temperature, the restoring element adopts a first length, and a second length at a second temperature. After the actuator has been released, the restoring element changes from the first length into the second length, and back into the first length. In this way, the restoring element returns the actuator to the activated state.