Cylindrical Elevator Cabin with Segmented Glass Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator lifts with non-rectangular cross-sections are complex to produce and assemble, limiting design flexibility and internal space optimization.
Innovation Solution
A compact elevator design featuring a cylindrical shaft wall and cabin with offset longitudinal elements and a sliding door system, eliminating the need for additional guide rails and minimizing the gap between the shaft wall and cabin, allowing for simple assembly and maximizing internal dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-rectangular cross-section (e.g., cylindrical) is used for the shaft wall and cabin, then design flexibility and internal space optimization are improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft wall is divided into multiple wall segments that can be assembled in different configurations. The cabin is also segmented with separate wall panels, allowing flexible assembly for different cross-sectional shapes (rectangular, circular, oval) without requiring completely different manufacturing processes for each design.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall segments and structural components are designed with universal connection mechanisms that can accommodate multiple cross-sectional geometries. The same basic components serve different functional and geometric requirements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining design flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece cylindrical wall is used for the cabin, then manufacturing is simplified, but the gap between the shaft wall and cabin increases, reducing internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The cabin wall is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled to form a cylindrical shape. This segmentation allows the cabin to maintain a compact fit within the shaft wall (reducing the gap) while still being manufactured from simpler, standardized components rather than requiring a single complex piece.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional guide rails are installed for the car, then guidance precision is improved, but device complexity and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance function is merged with the existing shaft wall structure. The shaft wall segments incorporate guidance features directly into their design, eliminating the need for separate guide rail components. This integration maintains guidance precision while reducing the total number of parts and assembly steps.
4Ease of operation
If a larger gap is maintained between the shaft wall and cabin, then ease of assembly is improved, but internal cabin dimensions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented wall design allows for modular assembly where each segment can be positioned and secured independently. This segmentation enables the gap to be minimized for maximum interior space while still allowing practical assembly through staged installation of the modular components.
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 design results in a structurally rigid, space-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing elevator that can be easily installed in various building configurations, including residential and existing structures, with reduced design effort and material usage.
Implementation Method 1
guided by sliding elements projecting from the sides of the car
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A passenger lift, in particular for transporting persons, is equipped with a cabin (2) having side walls (14), which is movable in a shaft wall (1) surrounding it in the direction of travel of the cabin (2). This cabin (2) and preferably also the surrounding shaft wall (1) are each formed with an at least approximately cylindrical outer shape, having a circular cross-section, and at least the side walls of the cabin (2) as well as the shaft wall (1) are preferably made of a transparent material, preferably glass panes. This passenger lift allows for a very compact construction, simple manufacturing, and correspondingly easy assembly.