Modular Braking Assembly for Rotating Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking assemblies for rotating shafts face challenges in providing sufficient braking torque with minimal space occupation, especially in applications like elevators where dual braking is required for safety, and current solutions are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A modular braking assembly with multiple independent braking components, including ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic elements, uses electromagnetic circuits and elastic means to achieve adjustable braking torque with minimal space and weight, allowing for easy expansion of braking capacity without increasing electromagnetic components or power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple brakes are arranged in series on the shaft to increase braking torque, then braking torque performance is improved, but space occupation increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The braking assembly is divided into multiple independent braking modules, each comprising a brake shoe, electromagnet, and elastic element. These modular units can be stacked in series along the shaft to increase total braking torque while maintaining compact space occupation, as each module operates independently and contributes additively to the overall braking force.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking modules are arranged in a nested configuration where multiple brake shoes and electromagnets are stacked along the shaft in a compact arrangement. This nested structure allows multiple braking elements to occupy minimal radial space while providing cumulative braking torque through the series arrangement of the modular components.
2Force
If multiple brakes are mounted simultaneously on the same rotating shaft to increase braking torque, then braking torque performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into identical, standardized modular units. Each module contains a complete set of components (brake shoe, electromagnet, elastic element) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by using repetitive, standardized designs rather than complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple braking functions are merged into a single integrated assembly where several brake modules share common mounting structures and control systems. The modular design allows multiple braking elements to be combined in a coordinated manner, reducing the complexity that would otherwise result from separate braking systems.
3Force
If elastic elements are used to force the fixed body against the rotating member for braking, then braking torque is improved, but the fixed body remains in retracted position when electromagnet is powered, requiring space for elastic element deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic elements are designed to dynamically adjust their deformation state based on the operational requirements. When the electromagnet is powered, the elastic elements deform to retract the brake shoe, allowing free rotation. When depowered, they return to their inactive configuration, forcing the brake shoe against the rotating member for braking. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both braking torque and retraction distance.
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 compact, cost-effective, and safe braking system that can easily double or triple braking torque by adding rotating elements and plates, reducing space and weight while meeting safety and regulatory requirements for applications like elevators and lifts.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic attraction produced by the respective circuit (3) with respect to the braking member (5) entails the elastic deformation of elastic means (6)
Implementation Method 2
the elastic deformation of elastic means (6) which are interposed between the main body (2) and the braking member (5) for the separation of the fixed braking member (5) from the rotating element (4)
Implementation Method 3
the elastic means (6) are adapted to force the braking member (5) against the rotating element (4), locking it in the absence of a magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
a corresponding rotating member (provided with a surface made of material with high surface friction which lies proximate to at least one surface portion of the fixed body)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A braking assembly (1) for rotating shafts (A), comprising a fixed main body (2) which accommodates a respective electromagnetic circuit (3), a rotating element (4), which is jointly connected to the shaft (A), and a fixed braking member (5) made of ferromagnetic material, which is interposed between the main body (2) and the rotating element (4). The magnetic attraction produced by the respective circuit (3) with respect to the braking member (5) entailing the elastic deformation of elastic means (6) which are interposed between the main body (2) and the braking member (5) in order to separate the fixed braking member (5) from the rotating element (4). The elastic means (6) being adapted to force the braking member (5) onto the rotating element (4), locking it, in the absence of a magnetic field. The assembly (1) comprising at least one rotating element (4). The fixed main body (2) being coupled to an end dome (8) which is arranged downward of the last at least one rotating element (4). The braking member (5) being able to perform a translational motion on suitable guiding stems (9) which are jointly connected, in an upper region, to the fixed main body (2) and, in a lower region, to the dome (8). The braking member (5) performing a translational motion on the stems (9), as a consequence of the forcing of the elastic means (6) and the magnetic action induced by the electromagnetic circuit (3), from a first extreme configuration for separating its face (10) with respect to the at least one surface (14a) of the at least one rotating element (4) to a second extreme configuration for mutual forced contact of the face (10) against the at least one surface (14a) of the at least one rotating element (4).