Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator Brake Assembly With Automatic Mechanical Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake assemblies for pneumatic vacuum elevators suffer from high friction in the release mechanism, require electrical power, and rely on mechanical components prone to installation errors and maintenance issues, lacking a reliable and efficient brake solution.
Innovation Solution
A brake assembly for pneumatic vacuum elevators featuring a support plate, brake wheel, springs, and brake shoes that operate mechanically without electrical power, using a seal assembly to actuate the springs and control cabin movement via a guide rail based on vacuum conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual lever connected to the brake by a single wire is used, then the brake can be engaged and released manually, but the friction in the release mechanism increases due to insufficient maintenance, faulty material, installation errors or a long brake wire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the manual lever and long brake wire from the system entirely. Instead of using a manual operating mechanism, the invention employs an automatic brake release system where the brake is released through the natural movement of the elevator car itself, eliminating the problematic manual lever connection points and reducing friction issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system serves itself by using the elevator car's own movement to automatically release the brake. The brake release is triggered by the car's motion during operation, eliminating the need for external manual intervention and the associated friction problems in the release mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional brakes with teeth or brail-like protrusions are used, then the descent of the cabin can be retarded, but electrical power, slot anchors, tensioned cables, and electrical sensors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical and mechanical brake systems with a simpler pneumatic mechanism. The brake assembly uses a piston and diaphragm actuated by pneumatic pressure to engage and release the brake shoes, eliminating the need for electrical power, sensors, and complex tensioned cable systems while maintaining the ability to retard cabin descent.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a pneumatic actuation system where compressed air acts on a diaphragm to move the piston, which in turn engages or releases the brake shoes. This pneumatic mechanism provides reliable brake control without requiring electrical power or complex mechanical linkages, reducing overall system complexity.
3Force
If springs are used to push the brake pads in conventional designs, then the brake can be engaged by releasing the lever, but high friction occurs in the release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the manual lever mechanism that transmits force to the brake release. Instead of using a lever connected by a wire, the system uses direct pneumatic actuation where compressed air pushes the piston to engage the brake, and the natural reverse motion of the car releases it, eliminating the friction-prone lever and wire connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical spring-based brake engagement with a pneumatic system. Compressed air acts on a diaphragm to push the piston and engage the brake shoes, providing reliable brake force without the friction issues associated with manual lever operation and long brake wires.
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
Enables smooth and reliable operation of the elevator cabin under varying vacuum conditions, preventing uncontrolled descent and reducing system malfunctions by eliminating the need for electrical power and minimizing mechanical failures.
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
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.