Modular Electromagnetic Elevator Brake Actuator Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator brakes are large, inflexible, and difficult to manufacture, transport, install, and maintain, and fail to meet comprehensive application requirements for performance, redundancy, safety, and reliability.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic device for the elevator brake comprising a fixed member, a movable member, and a force supply member, where electromagnetic forces are used to control the contact between the friction member and the elevator power device for braking and releasing, allowing for compact design, flexible layout, and easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional elevator brake configuration with movable plate, static plate, and electromagnetic coil is used, then operational braking function is achieved, but the overall structure becomes large and design space is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking functionVSAvoidoverall structure size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The brake system is divided into multiple independent electromagnetic devices, each with its own fixed member, movable member, and friction member. This segmentation allows for a more compact overall structure while maintaining the necessary braking function through distributed electromagnetic actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic coils are arranged at specific angles (0°-90° relative to the friction member central axis), utilizing angular/directional arrangement to achieve effective braking force with reduced structural footprint, transforming the problem from a linear space constraint to an angular optimization solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional elevator brake configuration is used, then braking operation is achieved, but the device becomes difficult to manufacture, transport, install, and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking operationVSAvoidmanufacturing and maintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each electromagnetic device is designed as an independent modular unit with fixed member, movable member, and friction member. This modularity enables separate manufacturing, easier quality control, simplified transportation, and independent maintenance or replacement of individual units without affecting the entire brake system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized electromagnetic device design with consistent components (electromagnetic coil, movable member, friction member) creates a universal module that can be manufactured using the same processes and replaced as a standard unit, significantly improving ease of manufacture and maintenance across the entire brake system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If traditional elevator brake configuration is used, then basic braking function is provided, but system redundancy and safety are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking functionVSAvoidsystem redundancy and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake system employs multiple independent electromagnetic devices (at least two) distributed across the brake structure. This segmentation provides inherent system redundancy - if one electromagnetic device fails, the others can continue to provide braking function, thereby enhancing overall system safety and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed with built-in redundancy through multiple electromagnetic devices before any failure occurs. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the brake system can tolerate individual component failures while maintaining safe operation, proactively addressing potential safety issues rather than reacting to them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 electromagnetic device provides a compact, cost-effective, and easily maintainable solution that enhances the performance and reliability of the elevator brake, meeting diverse application requirements and improving safety and redundancy.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electromagnetic member for providing an electromagnetic force after being energized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20230022165A1Electromagnetic device for elevator brake, elevator brake and elevator system

Publication Date: 2023.01.26 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

An electromagnetic device for an elevator brake, an elevator brake and an elevator system. The electromagnetic device is configured to be provided in the number of at least two in the elevator brake, and each of the electromagnetic devices includes: a fixed member, which is fixed relative to an elevator power device and provided with at least one electromagnetic member for providing an electromagnetic force after being energized; a movable member, which is arranged between the fixed member and a friction member of the elevator brake, and arranged to be movable relative to the fixed member; and a force supply member, which is arranged to provide a force in an opposite direction to the electromagnetic force to the movable member.