Mechanical Brake Assembly for Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators Without Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake assemblies for pneumatic vacuum elevators require electrical power, mechanical components like tensioned cables, and electrical sensors, making them prone to malfunction due to maintenance issues, installation errors, and power failures.
Innovation Solution
A brake assembly for pneumatic vacuum elevators that operates mechanically, utilizing a support plate, brake wheel, springs, and brake shoes, which are actuated by a seal assembly, allowing frictionless movement and control of the elevator cabin without electrical power, with modes for vacuum and no vacuum conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional brake assemblies use electrical power, mechanical components like tensioned cables, and electrical sensors, then the brake can be controlled and monitored, but the system becomes prone to malfunction due to maintenance issues, installation errors, and power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates electrical power requirements, electrical sensors, and complex mechanical components from the brake assembly. The brake is designed to operate purely mechanically using a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on pneumatic pressure changes, removing the sources of electrical failure and complex maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly is designed to be self-regulating through the pneumatic vacuum system. The vacuum pressure automatically actuates the brake mechanism without requiring external electrical control or manual intervention. The spring mechanism self-adjusts based on the pneumatic conditions, eliminating the need for complex control systems and sensors.
2Ease of operation
If a manual lever connected to the brake by a single wire is used, then the brake can be manually controlled, but high friction occurs in the brake release mechanism due to insufficient maintenance, faulty material, installation errors, or a long brake wire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual lever and wire mechanism with an automated pneumatic-mechanical system. The vacuum pressure directly actuates the brake mechanism through the seal assembly and spring, eliminating the need for long brake wires and manual lever operations that cause friction and reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pneumatic vacuum system and the brake mechanism. It converts pneumatic pressure changes into mechanical motion that actuates the spring-loaded brake, providing a reliable transmission of force without the friction problems of direct wire connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If teeth or brail-like protrusions are used on the brake surface to retard cabin descent, then the brake can control cabin movement, but the design requires electrical power, a slot to anchor the brake, a tensioned cable from controls, and an electrical sensor to activate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all electrical power requirements, electrical sensors, and complex mechanical anchoring components from the brake system. The brake uses a simple spring mechanism actuated by pneumatic pressure changes to control cabin movement, eliminating the need for electrical sensors and complex cable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure changes from the vacuum system to directly actuate the brake mechanism. The seal assembly converts pneumatic force into mechanical motion that engages the spring-loaded brake, providing cabin movement control without requiring electrical power or complex mechanical anchoring structures.
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
Ensures smooth operation and safe stopping of the elevator cabin in both normal and emergency situations, reducing system malfunctions and uncontrolled descents by eliminating the need for electrical power and mechanical components prone to failure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring coupled to a seal assembly and the brake fixing plate, wherein the spring is actuated based on the movement of the seal assembly
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of brake shoes coupled to the support plate. The plurality of brake shoes is configured to control the movement of the elevator cabin
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A brake assembly for a pneumatic vacuum elevator is disclosed. The brake assembly includes a support plate mechanically coupled to a brake fixing plate fixed on an elevator cabin. The brake assembly also includes a brake wheel coupled to the support plate. The support plate is configured to rotate based on movement of the brake wheel. The brake assembly further includes at least one spring coupled to a seal assembly and the brake fixing plate, wherein the spring is actuated based on the movement of the seal assembly. The brake assembly further includes a plurality of brake shoes coupled to the support plate. The plurality of brake shoes is configured to control the movement of the elevator cabin in at least one mode via a guide rail based on the movement of the at least one spring and the brake wheel.