Helical Thread Rotor Elevator Brake System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator braking systems often rely on friction mechanisms that are limited to downward motion and may fail in case of power loss or mechanical malfunction, posing safety risks and not meeting stringent regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A servo-controlled brake system with a helical thread rotor that engages with a brake rail, allowing for synchronized vertical movement and emergency braking by loosely engaging with the rail's teeth, ensuring the elevator platform stops safely even in power loss scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction-based braking mechanisms are used, then braking control is achieved, but the system is limited to downward motion and may fail in power loss scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional friction-based mechanical braking mechanisms with a rack-and-pinion mechanical engagement system. The pinion gear engages with the rack on the guide rail to provide braking force, eliminating reliance on friction between brake pads and discs/drums. This mechanical engagement system provides more reliable braking control and can effectively prevent both downward and upward motion of the elevator car.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack-and-pinion braking system serves multiple functions: it provides braking control for downward motion, prevents upward motion in case of over-speeding, and maintains braking effectiveness during power loss conditions. The single braking mechanism handles multiple safety scenarios that would require separate systems in traditional friction-based designs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional friction brakes are employed, then braking control is provided, but safety requirements during power loss are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The rack-and-pinion braking system is designed to automatically engage and provide preliminary counter-action against uncontrolled descent before the elevator car can gain dangerous speed. The mechanical engagement provides immediate resistance to motion in power loss scenarios, preventing the harmful effect of free-fall or uncontrolled descent from occurring in the first place.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system is designed to be self-actuating through mechanical engagement rather than requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The pinion-rack mechanism automatically provides braking force through its mechanical geometry, ensuring reliability during power loss without requiring electrical power for actuation.
3Reliability
If friction-based braking is used, then braking force is generated, but the system complexity increases for achieving comprehensive safety coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple braking functions into a single rack-and-pinion mechanism. Instead of having separate friction brakes for downward motion control and separate safety brakes for upward motion prevention, the system uses one integrated mechanical engagement system that provides both functions through its geometric design and mechanical advantage.
Data Source
AI summary
A braking system and method for an apparatus or vehicle moved along a pathway by a drive mechanism, for halting the movement of the apparatus or vehicle in the event that the drive mechanism loses power or malfunctions. A conveyance system is provided including a structure defining a pathway, an moving apparatus supported for movement along the pathway, a drive mechanism operatively connected for moving the apparatus along the pathway, a brake rail having along one edge a multiplicity of regularly spaced teeth that define gaps between successive teeth, disposed along the pathway and secured to the structure, and a brake device mounted securely to the apparatus. The brake device includes a driven rotor having a central axis of rotation and an outer cylindrical surface, and a helical thread on the outer cylindrical surface of the rotor for loosely engaging the gaps in the brake rail, the thread having a width and helical pitch whereby with successive turns of the driven rotor, the thread loosely engages successive gaps in the brake rail for movement of the rotor along the brake rail.