Mechanical Safety Brake for Mobile Storage Power-Loss Stopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for mobile storage systems that rely on electrical power are ineffective during power outages, particularly in mechanical drive systems where manual operation can lead to unsafe conditions due to the inability to stop storage units from colliding.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical safety braking device that attaches to individual storage units, using an actuator connected to a cable or suitable member to engage the motive system, allowing for manual activation without electrical power, thereby stopping the storage unit's movement upon activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical safety devices are used in mobile storage systems, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but the system becomes dependent on electrical power which may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical safety devices with a purely mechanical safety brake system. The mechanical brake uses a brake arm, brake shoe, and spring mechanism to physically engage with the drive wheel, eliminating dependency on electrical power while maintaining safety monitoring and stopping capabilities through mechanical means alone
2Use of energy by moving object
If mechanical drive systems with manual operation are used, then electrical power requirement is eliminated, but safety control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical brake system is designed to be automatically activated by the operation itself. When the storage unit moves along the rail, the brake arm naturally engages with the drive wheel through mechanical interaction, providing automatic safety control without requiring external electrical power or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The brake arm serves as a mechanical intermediary between the moving storage unit and the drive wheel. It transmits the stopping force mechanically from the brake shoe contact point to the drive wheel, enabling safety control through pure mechanical mediation without electrical components
3Reliability
If electrical safety devices are integrated with motor-operated systems, then safety function is improved, but the system becomes inoperative during power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical safety device integrated with the motor system with an independent mechanical brake system that operates autonomously. The mechanical brake engages the drive wheel directly through mechanical contact, ensuring both safety function and system operability continue during power loss without relying on electrical power
4Reliability
If a mechanical braking device is added to storage units, then safety braking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical brake is designed as a segmented, modular component that can be independently installed on each storage unit. The brake consists of separate elements (brake arm, brake shoe, spring mechanism) that can be assembled and adjusted independently, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective safety braking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The brake applies localized mechanical force at the specific contact point between the brake shoe and drive wheel. This localized engagement provides effective braking without requiring complex system-wide mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety braking capability
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical safety braking device for use with a mobile storage unit forming a part of the mobile storage system. The device includes an actuating member disposed on a mobile storage unit that is operably connected to a braking mechanism engaged with a motive system for the mobile storage unit. When the actuating member is engaged, the mechanical connection between the actuating member and the braking mechanism causes the braking mechanism to slow and ultimately cease the operation of the motive system and consequent movement of the mobile storage unit.