Construction Elevator Hoistway Segmentation for Modernization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for modernizing elevator systems in tall buildings cause significant disruption to service as each elevator is modernized one by one, reducing the group's ability to serve users and requiring workers to use the same elevators as passengers, leading to inefficiencies and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A method where one elevator is temporarily replaced by a construction time elevator with a reduced traveling zone, allowing both the construction time elevator and another elevator to continue serving passengers while construction is done above its zone, and then expanding its zone, enabling phased modernization with minimal service disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elevators are modernized one by one using traditional methods, then complete modernization of each elevator can be achieved, but the elevator group's ability to serve users is considerably reduced and service disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hoistway is segmented into multiple construction zones separated by horizontal barriers. This allows different portions of the hoistway to be modernized in parallel while maintaining serviceability of other segments, enabling simultaneous modernization of multiple elevators without complete service shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
Horizontal barriers act as intermediary structures that isolate construction zones from service zones. These barriers enable construction activities to proceed in one segment while passengers continue to use elevators in other segments, resolving the conflict between modernization and service continuity
2Ease of manufacture
If elevators are taken out of use for modernization, then construction work can be performed safely, but passenger waiting times increase and convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hoistway is divided into isolated construction zones using horizontal barriers. This segmentation allows construction work to be performed safely in enclosed zones while other zones remain operational for passenger use, maintaining convenience without compromising safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between construction mode and service mode in different hoistway segments. Elevators can be taken out of service in construction zones while remaining operational in other zones, and the system adapts routing to maintain passenger convenience
3Productivity
If workers use the same elevators as passengers during modernization, then equipment utilization is maximized, but safety risks and operational conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hoistway is segmented into dedicated construction zones and service zones using horizontal barriers. This physical separation ensures that workers and passengers never occupy the same elevator car simultaneously, eliminating safety risks while allowing both groups to use elevator equipment in their respective zones
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modernizing an elevator system, includes using a first and second car for transporting passengers and/or goods between vertically displaced floors of a building, and thereafter removing the first elevator car from use for transporting passengers and/or goods between vertically displaced floors, and thereafter installing a construction time elevator into the lower end of the first hoistway, the traveling zone of the car of the construction time elevator covering only partially the height of the first hoistway; and thereafter using the car of the construction time elevator and the second car simultaneously for transporting passengers and/or goods between vertically displaced floors of the building, during which using the method includes performing construction work in the first hoistway above the traveling zone of the car of the construction time elevator; and thereafter changing the traveling zone of the car of the construction time elevator to extend higher in the hoistway, and thereafter using the car of the construction time elevator and the second car simultaneously for transporting passengers and/or goods between vertically displaced floors, during which using the method comprises performing construction work in the first hoistway above the traveling zone of the car of the construction time elevator.