Retrofit Supplemental Elevator Brake on Existing Machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rope grabber braking devices in elevator systems require additional space within the hoistway or a raised machine room, making them inconvenient and space-intensive due to their need to be positioned below the machine.
Innovation Solution
A method and kit for retrofitting a supplemental brake onto an existing elevator machine by modifying a rotating surface to include a braking disk, using a machining bracket, ring portions, and mounting members to secure the brake device, allowing for selective engagement without removing the machine from the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rope grabber braking device is used to meet code requirements, then the braking function is provided, but additional space within the hoistway or a raised machine room is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the supplemental brake with the existing machine structure by mounting the brake device on the machine frame and engaging a braking surface on the sheave or drum. This integration eliminates the need for separate space below the machine or in the hoistway that would be required by traditional rope grabber devices, while still providing the required braking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking surface is formed on an existing rotating component (sheave or drum) that already serves the primary function of moving the elevator car. This multi-functional approach allows the same component to provide both traction/sheave function and braking surface engagement, eliminating the need for additional dedicated braking components that would require extra space.
2Reliability
If a rope grabber braking device is positioned below the machine, then the braking function is achieved, but the machine must be raised or additional hoistway space must be allocated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the braking device below the machine as with traditional rope grabbers, this patent inverts the arrangement by mounting the brake device on the machine frame and having it engage a braking surface on the rotating sheave or drum. This inverted configuration allows installation without raising the machine or requiring additional hoistway space, significantly improving installation convenience.
3Reliability
If the machine is removed from the system to install a supplemental brake, then the brake can be properly installed, but costs and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the braking surface to be formed on an existing rotating component (sheave or drum) that remains in place within the elevator system. The brake device is mounted on the machine frame to engage this pre-positioned braking surface, allowing installation without removing the machine from the system. This preliminary arrangement of the braking surface on existing components enables cost-effective installation while maintaining system integrity.
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 the installation of a supplemental brake on an existing elevator machine without the need for additional space, reducing costs and labor by allowing the machine to remain in place, thus providing a space-efficient and cost-effective solution for meeting braking code requirements.
Implementation Method 1
At least one brake member is installed in a position to selectively engage the braking surface
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method of retrofitting a brake onto an elevator machine that was previously installed in an elevator system includes selecting a surface of the elevator machine that rotates as a sheave of the machine rotates. A braking surface is provided on the selected surface. At least one brake member is installed in a position to selectively engage the braking surface.