Multi-Stage Electromechanical Actuator for Extended Elevator Safety Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic safety actuators for elevator systems have limited actuation distances, requiring intermediate levers to trigger safety mechanisms, which complicates the actuation process and resetting.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical actuator device with multiple movable parts separated by restorative components, where an induced magnetic field reduces actuation distances when current is applied, allowing for greater actuation distances without intermediate levers and easier resetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single movable part is used in conventional ESAs, then the device structure is simple, but the actuation distance is limited to around 2-3 mm requiring intermediate levers
Solution Approach 1:
The movable part is divided into multiple segments (first movable part, second movable part, etc.) that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment is coupled by restorative components, allowing the total actuation distance to be the sum of individual segment movements, thereby achieving greater overall actuation distance without requiring intermediate levers outside the device.
2Length of moving object
If intermediate levers are used to extend actuation distance, then the actuation distance is increased, but the resetting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The restorative components (springs) are integrated within the multi-segment movable part structure itself, providing automatic restoration to the initial position. Each segment is coupled to the next by restorative components, creating a self-contained system that automatically resets without requiring external intermediate levers or complex resetting mechanisms.
3Length of moving object
If multiple movable parts are used to increase actuation distance, then the actuation distance is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple movable parts are combined into a single integrated movable assembly that functions as one cohesive unit. The first movable part, second movable part, and restorative components are merged into a unified structure that moves together, allowing the device to achieve extended actuation distance while maintaining relatively simple operation and control.
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 increased actuation distances and simplifies the resetting process by allowing the actuator to move in manageable steps, effectively preventing elevator car movement without the need for intermediate levers.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive coil wrapped around a core, said conductive coil being housed at least partially within the fixed part; wherein the electromechanical actuator device is arranged such that: when an electric current is passed through the conductive coil, an induced magnetic field attracts the first and second movable parts toward the fixed part
Implementation Method 2
the first movable part is coupled to the fixed part by at least one restorative component such that, in a working position, the first movable part is separated from the fixed part along the actuation direction by a first actuation distance
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical actuator device comprises a fixed part, a first movable part and a second movable part each arranged to move with respect to the fixed part along an actuation direction. A conductive coil (20) is wrapped around a core (28) and is housed within the fixed part (4). The first movable part (6) is coupled to the fixed part (4) by at least one restorative component (10) such that, in a working position, the first movable part (6) is separated from the fixed part (4) along the actuation direction (22) by a first actuation distance (d1). The second movable part (8) is coupled to the first movable part (6) by at least restorative component (16) such that, in the working position, the second movable part (8) is separated from the first movable part (6) along the actuation direction (22) by a second actuation distance (d2).