Hydraulic Elevator Safety Braking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elevator safety systems lack effective regulation and solutions for unintended and uncontrolled elevator movement in both the up and down directions, particularly for hydraulic elevators, which can lead to abrupt stops and passenger entrapment, and existing systems are cumbersome and costly to install.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically-powered elevator safety braking assembly that can selectively brake the elevator car on guide rails before activating the mechanical safety brake, using integrated caliper case housing a piston and Kevlar composite brake pad, capable of accommodating various elevator speeds and loads, and designed to detect and respond to predetermined safety conditions such as excessive speed, door lock issues, and pit encroachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical safety brake is used to stop the elevator car, then the elevator can be stopped, but the stop is abrupt and causes passenger entrapment
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic braking assembly is activated before the mechanical safety brake to prepare the elevator car for a controlled stop. The hydraulic system applies braking force in advance, allowing the mechanical brake to engage gently afterward, preventing abrupt stops and passenger entrapment while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic braking assembly serves as an intermediary between the detected safety condition and the mechanical safety brake. It mediates the stopping process by providing a controlled, gradual braking action that transitions smoothly into the mechanical brake engagement, eliminating the harshness of direct mechanical braking.
2Reliability
If existing safety systems are installed, then elevator safety is improved, but the installation is cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic braking assembly is designed to be universally applicable to both hydraulic and traction elevators. It can be integrated into existing safety systems without requiring complete system replacement, reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining safety functionality across different elevator types.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic braking assembly utilizes the elevator's existing hydraulic system to power the braking mechanism. By leveraging the available hydraulic pressure and infrastructure, the system eliminates the need for separate power sources or complex mechanical linkages, simplifying installation and reducing overall system complexity.
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 safer, smoother, and more cost-efficient means to guide the elevator car to a controlled stop within the door zone, allowing for easy passenger release and reducing the risk of injury or entrapment, while being easily installable on both hydraulic and traction elevators.
Implementation Method 1
a piston and brake pad... capable of accommodating various elevator speeds and loads... selectively brake the elevator car on guide rails
Implementation Method 2
hydraulically-powered braking assembly... integrated caliper case housing a piston
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator safety device for an elevator car, which includes one or more hydraulically-powered braking assemblies mounted on the elevator car and designed to selectively brake on a guide rail of the elevator car upon detection of a predetermined safety condition, including an uncontrolled ascending or unintended movement of the elevator car, prior to actuation of any mechanical safety brake. The safety device may be used with traction-type or hydraulic-type elevators.