What is the function of a buffer in an elevator system?

The function of a buffer in an elevator system is to serve as a shock absorber. Buffers are critical components designed to absorb the energy generated during a car’s descent or the impact when the car reaches the lowest or highest level in its travel. Their primary purpose is to mitigate the effects of a sudden stop or impact, helping to prevent injury to passengers and damage to the elevator system itself.

When an elevator car reaches its limit, buffers compress to absorb the kinetic energy, allowing for a smoother deceleration. This is especially important in enhancing passenger safety and maintaining the longevity of the elevator's mechanical components. Buffers come in various forms, such as hydraulic or mechanical, depending on the design and requirements of the elevator system.

The other options don’t align with the primary function of a buffer. Buffers are not intended to increase elevator speed, secure hoistway doors, or regulate hydraulic fluid, which are all distinct functions that relate to other elements of the elevator system.