Wedge-Shaped Elevator Brake Block for Directional Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator braking systems are inadequate for sideways travel, as they are designed primarily for vertical movement and can cause injury during abrupt deceleration when traveling upwards, and lack a mechanism for safe braking during horizontal travel between elevator shafts.
Innovation Solution
A braking device with a wedge-shaped brake block and a corresponding brake pad holder, allowing for adjustable braking effects based on travel direction, featuring a locking device that changes positions to enable or block sliding movements, ensuring safe deceleration in all directions, including sideways travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active braking is applied during upward movement to ensure safety during power failure, then braking reliability is improved, but passenger safety deteriorates due to risk of head injury from abrupt deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The brake block is designed as a wedge-shaped component that can dynamically change its position and braking force. During upward movement, the wedge-shaped brake block can slide away from the guide rail under spring force, automatically reducing braking force to prevent passenger injury, while still maintaining braking capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The braking force parameter is made variable through the wedge-shaped design. The contact area between the brake block and guide rail changes based on the direction of movement and spring compression, automatically adjusting the braking effect to be strong during downward movement and weak during upward movement
2Reliability
If a conventional braking device is used for vertical travel, then braking effectiveness for downward movement is improved, but adaptability for sideways travel between elevator shafts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device is designed with a wedge-shaped brake block and adjustable locking mechanism that can adapt to different travel directions. The same brake block can provide effective braking for both vertical movement (using friction against the guide rail) and horizontal movement between shafts, making the system universal for multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism can be positioned in different states to adapt the braking device for different travel modes. For vertical travel, the brake block is free to slide along the guide rail; for horizontal travel between shafts, the locking mechanism can secure the brake block in an optimal position, enabling the same device to handle multiple travel scenarios
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wedge-shaped brake block is introduced to enable sideways travel braking, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanism positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct positions (first position for vertical travel, second position for horizontal travel). This segmentation allows the system to handle different travel modes independently, reducing the complexity of controlling a single multi-position mechanism and simplifying the overall control logic
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 braking device provides safe and controlled deceleration in all directions, preventing injuries during upward travel and enabling efficient braking during sideways travel between elevator shafts, thus enhancing the safety and versatility of elevator systems.
Implementation Method 1
exert a braking effect by frictional engagement when they engage the guide rails
Implementation Method 2
at least one brake block is automatically engaged with the guide rail (in particular by the compressive force of a pre-tensioned spring)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a braking device (14) for a car (200) of a lift system (100), wherein the braking device (14) comprises a first brake pad (16) and a second brake pad (18), which are arranged opposite one another and accommodate the guide rail (110) between them and deploy a braking effect via a frictional connection when they engage with the guide rail (110). For this purpose, the first brake pad (16) is wedge-shaped and tapers in the direction of a wedge direction (20), wherein the front side of the brake pad facing the guide rail (110) is oriented in parallel to the guide rail (110) and the opposing rear side is inclined according to the wedge shape. In addition, the braking device (14) comprises a brake pad receiving means (22) having a contact surface (24) with an inclination corresponding to the wedge-shaped brake pad (16), on which the rear side of the wedge-shaped brake pad (16) rests in a sliding manner. Furthermore, the braking device (14) has a locking device (36) with a first position and a second position, wherein the locking device (36) releases a sliding movement of the wedge-shaped first brake pad (16) against the wedge direction (20) in the first position, and blocks the sliding movement of the wedge-shaped brake pad (16) against the wedge direction (20) in the second position.