Adjustable Protective Platform for Elevator Hoistway Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator installation in construction sites is delayed due to the need for cumbersome protective barriers to prevent items from falling into the hoistway, which requires significant time and diverts construction workers from their primary tasks, introducing inefficiencies and additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular protective platform assembly with adjustable, moveable braces that can be quickly positioned and secured at various vertical locations within the hoistway, providing redundant protection and allowing elevator installation personnel to work safely without the need for extensive barrier construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional protective barriers are constructed to prevent items from falling into the hoistway, then safety protection is provided, but installation time increases and construction workers are diverted from their primary tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is transformed from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, movable platform that can be easily repositioned vertically along the hoistway. The platform includes movable wheels or casters that allow it to be rolled to different levels, and adjustable legs or support members that enable it to adapt to various heights and surface conditions, eliminating the time-consuming process of disassembling and reassembling traditional barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform serves multiple functions: it provides fall protection, acts as a work surface for installation personnel, and can be repositioned to different locations within the hoistway. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective barriers at each level, as the same platform can be moved to serve different installation zones sequentially.
2Reliability
If traditional protective barriers are used, then safety is ensured, but construction workers must disassemble and relocate barriers between levels, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The platform's movable design allows it to be easily transported vertically along the hoistway using simple mechanisms such as pulleys, winches, or manual rolling. This dynamic capability enables installation personnel to quickly reposition the protective barrier to the next work level without time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations, thereby maintaining safety while improving installation productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective barrier function is merged with the installation platform function into a single integrated unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate protective structures at each level, as the same platform provides both protection and work surface functionality, reducing the overall time required for barrier management operations.
3Reliability
If traditional barriers are constructed, then protection is provided, but the barriers are cumbersome and require significant construction effort
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is divided into modular components including a main platform body, detachable support legs, and separable side panels. This segmentation allows the barrier to be easily assembled and disassembled in a standardized manner, reducing construction complexity compared to traditional monolithic barrier structures that require complex fastening and alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform uses simple, lightweight materials such as aluminum or plastic construction with basic fastening mechanisms that can be quickly assembled and disassembled multiple times. These components are designed for temporary use during installation phases and can be easily replaced or reconfigured, reducing both construction complexity and long-term maintenance requirements compared to permanent, complex barrier systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative example embodiment of an assembly includes a first platform and at least one first brace associated with the first platform. The first brace is configured to engage a surface in or near a hoistway for supporting the first platform in a vertical location near the surface. A portion of the first brace is moveable relative to the first platform between an extended position for engaging the surface and a retracted position for allowing the first platform to move relative to the surface. A second platform is vertically spaced from the first platform. An adjustment mechanism associated with the first platform and the second platform facilitates adjusting a vertical spacing between the first platform and the second platform.