Elevator Safety Gear Switch Linkage for Power-Loss False Brake Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator devices with electrically operated actuators face issues where the braking state detecting switch is turned on during power interruptions, necessitating expert intervention for restart after emergency braking.
Innovation Solution
An elevator device with a safety gear activated by an electrically operated actuator includes a braking state detecting switch actuated by a mechanism mobilized by a braking element, ensuring the switch remains off during power interruptions and turns on only during emergency braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the braking state detecting switch is actuated by the electrically operated actuator, then the safety gear can detect braking state, but the switch is turned on during power interruption preventing automatic restart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a link mechanism as an intermediary between the braking element and the detecting switch. The link mechanism translates the displacement of the braking element into switch activation only when the braking element moves due to actual braking force application, not due to power loss. This intermediary structure ensures the switch remains off during power interruptions while still detecting genuine braking states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the switch activation function from the electrically operated actuator and assigns it to the mechanically actuated detecting switch instead. By separating the electrical actuation system from the detection system and using a purely mechanical link mechanism for the switch, the system avoids false activation during power loss while maintaining reliable braking state detection.
2Extent of automation
If the safety gear uses an electrically operated actuator for activation, then the braking operation can be controlled, but the braking state detecting switch cannot distinguish between power loss and actual braking
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism serves as a mechanical intermediary that filters out false signals from power loss while transmitting genuine braking signals to the detecting switch. It is designed to activate the switch only when the braking element experiences sufficient displacement from actual braking force, not from the absence of electrical power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter of the detecting switch from electrical actuator position to mechanical displacement of the braking element. By monitoring the physical displacement of the braking element through the link mechanism rather than relying on electrical actuator status, the system can distinguish between power loss (no displacement) and actual braking (significant displacement).
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator device having a safety gear is disclosed that makes it possible to prevent a braking state detecting switch from being turned on in case of power interruption, while becoming activated by an electrically operated actuator. This elevator device includes a safety gear which is provided onto an elevator car and an electrically operated actuator which activates the safety gear and has a braking state detecting switch (6) to detect a braking state of the safety gear. The braking state detecting switch (6) is actuated by a mechanism (10, 82, 83) which is mobilized by a braking element (51) of the safety gear. Displacement of the braking element (51) when power supply is lost keeps the braking state detecting switch (6) in an off state. Displacement of the braking element (51) in a braking by the safety gear turns on the braking state detecting switch (6).