Perpendicular Actuator Friction Brake for Elevator Caliper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing friction brakes for elevators suffer from undesired moment of inertia and bending due to the weight of the actuator, leading to inconsistent braking performance and wear, as the actuator's force is often parallel to the clamping force, causing the brake linings to twist or bend away from the braking element.
Innovation Solution
A friction brake design with at least two rotationally-mounted brake levers arranged in a caliper form, featuring an actuator that exerts force perpendicular to the clamping force, incorporating a roller unit and wedge surfaces to improve braking consistency and reduce wear, with the actuator mounted on a carrier element rather than the brake levers, and a spring arrangement for automatic clamping and damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator is mounted laterally on one of the brake levers, then the brake can be actuated, but the weight of the actuator generates an undesired moment of inertia and twists the brake lever, leading to inconsistent braking performance
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator force direction is changed from parallel to the clamping force (lateral mounting) to perpendicular to the clamping force (longitudinal mounting between brake levers). This dimensional change in force application eliminates the twisting moment on brake levers while maintaining actuation capability, thereby improving braking consistency without sacrificing ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If the actuator force acts parallel to the clamping force, then the brake can be actuated, but the brake linings twist or bend away from the braking element, reducing braking response
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying the actuator force in the same direction as the clamping force (parallel), the invention inverts the approach by applying the actuator force perpendicular to the clamping force. This inversion changes the force transmission path through the brake levers, preventing the brake linings from twisting or bending away from the braking element, thus improving braking response while maintaining actuation functionality
3Device complexity
If the actuator is mounted on the brake levers, then the structure is compact, but the brake or mounting is loaded on one side, generating negative moment of inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is extracted from the lateral mounting position on the brake levers and repositioned to mount between the brake levers in the longitudinal direction. This extraction removes the source of asymmetric loading and negative moment of inertia from the brake lever mounting, improving braking operation reliability while maintaining a compact overall structure through the integrated spreading mechanism
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
This design enhances braking response and performance by ensuring consistent brake lining contact with the braking element, reducing wear, and allowing for automatic closure in case of power loss, while the roller unit and wedge mechanism improve the actuator's efficiency and control.
Implementation Method 1
a roller unit (9) which can be acted on by the actuator (5), has a first roller (22) which rolls on a first wedge surface (48) provided on the first brake lever (2), and has a second roller (21) which rolls on a second wedge surface (48)'
Implementation Method 2
a first roller (22) which rolls on a first wedge surface (48) provided on the first brake lever (2), and has a second roller (21) which rolls on a second wedge surface (48)
Implementation Method 3
The friction brake (1) moreover comprises a spring arrangement (11) which clamps the brake levers (2) in the clamping direction
Implementation Method 4
at least two brake levers (2) which each have a brake lining (6) and are arranged opposite each other in the form of a brake caliper
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a friction brake (1), in particular for elevators, comprising at least two pivotally mounted brake levers (2), which each have a brake lining (6) and are arranged opposite each other in the form of a brake caliper. An actuator (5) is provided for actuating the friction brake (1). In order to avoid uneven loading of the opposing brake levers (2), the actuator (5) is designed in such a way that the force (FA) exerted by the actuator (5) acts substantially perpendicularly to a brake application force (FZ) exerted by the brake levers (5). Furthermore, a spreading mechanism (9, 26) is provided, by means of which the brake application force (FZ) can be regulated by the force (FA) exerted by the actuator.