Self-Propelled Elevator Cab with Electromechanical Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elevator systems, including traction and hydraulic elevators, face limitations such as restricted movement, maintenance challenges, noise, and safety concerns due to hoist cables, counterweights, and space requirements, with existing emergency brake systems being inadequate and difficult to adapt to older systems.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled elevator system with parallel guide rails, vehicle propulsion systems, and a brake system incorporating electromechanical brakes, proximity sensors, and control modules that allow for safe operation on curved tracks, maintain vertical position, and provide enhanced safety by monitoring speed and unintended movement, while also being adaptable for use in existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hoist cables and counterweights are used in traction elevators, then the elevator can achieve reliable vertical transport, but the system requires machine rooms, cable maintenance, and cannot operate on curved tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hoist cables, counterweights, and machine room components from the elevator system. Instead, it uses a self-propelled elevator car with onboard propulsion motors that travel along guide rails, eliminating the complex cable-and-counterweight infrastructure while maintaining reliable vertical transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-pulley system with an electric propulsion system. The elevator car is equipped with propulsion motors that directly drive the car along the guide rails, substituting the indirect mechanical transmission through cables and sheaves with direct electric drive
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic pistons are used to drive elevators, then the elevator can operate without cables, but the speed is slow and noise is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic piston system with an electric propulsion system. The elevator car is equipped with electric motors that directly propel the car along the guide rails, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid and pistons while achieving higher speeds and lower noise levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the hydraulic piston, hydraulic fluid, and associated machinery from the elevator system. The self-propelled electric motor system provides cableless operation without the speed limitations and noise problems of hydraulic systems
3Loss of time
If multiple elevators operate in the same shaft to save space, then waiting time is reduced, but maintaining safe distance between cabs becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs proximity sensors that continuously monitor the distance between elevator cabs in the same shaft. The sensor feedback is processed by a control system that automatically adjusts the speed and positioning of each cab to maintain safe distances, enabling multiple elevators to operate safely in the same shaft space
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects other elevators in the shaft, calculates safe distances based on relative positions and speeds, and triggers appropriate speed adjustments. This multi-functional approach enables safe multi-elevator operation while minimizing waiting times
4Reliability
If traditional emergency brake systems are installed, then the elevator can be stopped in emergencies, but the systems are difficult to adapt to older elevators and may fail if hoist cables break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the emergency braking function into separate, independent components: proximity sensors that detect emergency conditions, a control system that processes sensor signals, and brake actuators that apply braking force. This segmented architecture allows the emergency braking system to be added independently to existing elevators without replacing the entire braking infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces proximity sensors as intermediary devices that detect emergency conditions (such as cable breaks or unintended movement) and transmit this information to the control system. The control system then activates the brake actuators. This intermediary sensing and control layer provides adaptability to older systems while maintaining reliable emergency stopping capability
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 enables efficient, safe, and flexible elevator operation with reduced maintenance needs, increased safety, and the ability to operate multiple elevators in the same shaft, eliminating cable-related issues and enhancing ride quality and speed.
Implementation Method 1
The brake system comprises one or more control modules, two or more electromechanical brakes
Implementation Method 2
by employing proximity sensors and programming, a safe distance between multiple elevator cabs in the same elevator shaft can be kept
Implementation Method 3
two or more electromechanical brakes... will safely stop the elevator cab
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is directed to a self-propelled elevator system having multiple motors or one motor, and methods for synchronizing said multiple motors. This invention is also directed to an elevator brake system to be used in said self-propelled elevator system or other types of elevators to increase their level of safety.