Maglev Tower Lift Braking Unit for Power-Loss Fall Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic levitation tower lifts face the risk of free fall when power is cut off, as there are no physical connections to prevent the carriage module from falling.
Innovation Solution
A braking unit is installed in the carriage module, comprising a braking body that selectively contacts the rail module, a holding member to maintain contact when power is applied, and a tension member to ensure contact when power is cut, using electromagnets or solenoids to manage the braking body's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If magnetic levitation method is used to move carriage module along rail module, then particles generation is eliminated and manufacturing precision is improved, but safety deteriorates because carriage module will fall when power is cut off
Solution Approach 1:
The braking body is preliminarily positioned to contact the rail module, creating a safety mechanism that activates automatically when power is lost. The holding member (electromagnet) normally prevents this contact, but when power fails, the braking body freely contacts the rail to prevent falling, thus preparing counter-action in advance against the harmful effect of free fall.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking body acts as an intermediary element between the carriage module and the rail module. It selectively contacts the rail module to provide braking force when needed, while the holding member controls this interaction. This intermediary structure enables the carriage module to move smoothly during normal operation while providing a safety mechanism when power is lost.
2Ease of operation
If holding member continuously holds braking body away from rail module when power is applied, then smooth movement is maintained, but energy consumption increases due to continuous electromagnetic force application
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member operates periodically rather than continuously. It applies electromagnetic force only when power is applied to hold the braking body away from the rail module, allowing smooth movement. When power is cut, the holding member automatically stops acting, and the braking body freely contacts the rail module. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the power status itself to control the holding member's operation. When power is available, the holding member activates; when power is lost, it automatically deactivates. The braking body also serves itself by automatically contacting the rail module when the holding member deactivates, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms and reducing overall energy consumption.
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 braking unit effectively prevents the carriage module from falling by engaging with the rail module when power is lost, ensuring safe operation of the tower lift.
Implementation Method 1
the holding member may further include an electromagnet which generates magnetic force and holds the braking body so that the braking body is spaced apart from the rail module when the power is applied
Implementation Method 2
The carriage module may be moved in the vertical direction in a state in which the carriage module is not in contact with the rail module by the power generated by a linear motor installed in the carriage module or in the rail module
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a tower lift. The tower lift includes: a rail module extended in a vertical direction; and a carriage module provided to be movable by a magnetic levitation method along the rail module, in which in the carriage module, a braking unit which brakes falling of the carriage module when power driving the tower lift is cut is installed.