Magnetic Elevator Safety Brake Activation Over Large Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in effectively and reliably activating safety brakes, particularly in high-rise buildings where the risk of freefall and over-speed conditions is higher, due to the mechanical complexity and potential for mechanical failure in traditional governor and safety brake systems.
Innovation Solution
A safety brake system utilizing a magnetic actuator with an array of magnetic components, including a first magnetic component and two second magnetic components, which are configured to move between first and second ferromagnetic components, allowing for a simple and reliable activation of the safety brake through a linkage mechanism, even over larger distances between the magnetic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical governor and mechanically-actuated safety brake are used, then the safety brake can be activated through mechanical means, but the system complexity increases and reliability decreases due to mechanical failure risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical governor and mechanically-actuated safety brake system with an electromagnetic actuator that uses magnetic fields to activate the safety brake. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages and reduces the risk of mechanical failure while maintaining safety brake activation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mechanical governor component from the safety brake activation system. By removing this complex mechanical element and replacing it with a simpler electromagnetic actuator, the system achieves reduced complexity and improved reliability.
2Extent of automation
If electromagnetic actuators with mechanical linkages are used, then safety brake activation can be achieved electrically, but the device complexity remains high due to the mechanical linkage mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linkage mechanism with a direct magnetic field actuation system. The electromagnetic actuator generates magnetic forces that directly move the safety brake components without requiring intermediate mechanical linkages, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining electrical control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large distance is provided between ferromagnetic components, then the actuator can be positioned flexibly, but the magnetic field strength decreases making activation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetic components within the actuator array to create a cumulative magnetic field effect. By merging the magnetic fields of individual components, the system achieves sufficient magnetic force strength even when components are positioned at larger distances, thereby maintaining both positioning flexibility and activation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges magnetic components in a multi-dimensional array configuration rather than a simple linear arrangement. This spatial optimization allows the magnetic fields to interact constructively, maintaining field strength at greater distances and enabling flexible positioning while preserving sufficient magnetic force for safety brake activation.
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 magnetic actuator system provides a robust and reliable means to activate the safety brake, reducing the reliance on frictional forces and minimizing the number of components, thereby enhancing safety, reducing installation and maintenance costs, and improving the overall performance of the elevator system.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic field between the array and the first ferromagnetic component is reduced and the magnetic field between the array and the second ferromagnetic component is augmented so as to move the actuator from the first position to a second position
Implementation Method 2
the first magnetic component comprises one of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet and wherein the second magnetic components each comprise the other of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
A safety brake system (40; 240) for use in a conveyance system. The safety brake system (40; 240) includes a guide rail (20) and a conveyance component moveable along the guide rail (20). The safety brake system (40; 240) includes a safety brake (42; 242), a linkage mechanism (56; 256) and an actuator (44; 144; 244) for the safety brake (42; 242). The safety brake (42; 242) is moveable between a non-braking position where the safety brake (42; 242) is not in engagement with the guide rail (20) and a braking position where the safety brake (42; 242) is engaged with the guide rail (20). The actuator (44; 144; 244) is configured to be mounted to the conveyance component and positioned between first and second ferromagnetic components. The actuator includes an array of magnetic components including a first magnetic component adjacent to and arranged between two second magnetic components.