Elevator Ceiling Locking Mechanism for One-Person Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for opening and closing suspended ceilings in elevator cars are cumbersome, requiring multiple people and often result in uneven opening, potential falling hazards, and noise due to inadequate fixing mechanisms, especially with large ceilings.

Innovation Solution

A pre-tuned locking device with a pre-tuning mechanism that ensures the ceiling remains secure in the upper position until all locking elements are pre-tuned, allowing for safe and easy one-person operation by lifting and then releasing the ceiling for access, with hidden coupling elements for secure and aesthetic design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw fixing is used to secure the suspended ceiling, then the ceiling can be firmly fixed into position, but it requires multiple persons to open and close the ceiling and results in slow operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidease of opening and closing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking elements distributed around the ceiling perimeter. Each locking element can be independently actuated, allowing sequential engagement or disengagement. This segmentation enables one person to control the entire ceiling locking system through individual elements, eliminating the need for multiple persons while maintaining reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking elements are designed to be pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the ceiling structure when the ceiling is in the closed position. This preliminary positioning ensures that the ceiling is securely locked without requiring manual adjustment or multiple persons to maintain the locked state, while still allowing easy release when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If multiple screws are opened to lower the ceiling, then access to the space between ceiling and roof is enabled, but the ceiling tends to open unevenly and warp downwards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for maintenanceVSAvoidceiling stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If fixing elements are turned around vertical axis to release support surface, then ceiling can be lowered, but fixing elements produce noise due to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of ceiling releaseVSAvoidnoise from fixing elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical fixing elements that require turning around the vertical axis are replaced with a spring-loaded locking mechanism. This new mechanism uses elastic force from springs to maintain the locked state and release the ceiling, eliminating the mechanical turning action that causes noise. The spring mechanism operates quietly while providing reliable locking and easy release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If many screws are used to fix the ceiling, then the ceiling can be securely fastened, but fastening of some screws can be forgotten causing ceiling to fall down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveceiling fixation reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of fixing elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual screw fixing elements are merged into a unified spring-loaded locking system. Instead of having numerous independent screws that can be forgotten, the system uses a single integrated mechanism with multiple locking elements that work together. The spring force ensures uniform engagement of all locking elements, eliminating the risk of forgetting to tighten individual screws while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2448856B1Method and arrangement for opening and closing a suspended ceiling or corresponding of an elevator car and also a locking device

Publication Date: 2019.02.27 KONE OYJ

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AI summary

The object of the invention is a method and an arrangement for opening and closing a suspended ceiling (3) or corresponding of an elevator car (1) and also a locking device. The suspended ceiling (3) or corresponding is supported in place at least partly by one or more locking devices (5). In the method the suspended ceiling (3) or corresponding is opened from its locking and lowered away from its position and fixed again into its position. In the opening phase of the suspended ceiling (3) the locking devices (5) supporting the suspended ceiling (3) are pre- tuned into a state where the suspended ceiling (3) continues to stay in place in the upper position and after pre- tuning the suspended ceiling (3) is released from its locking by lifting the suspended ceiling (3) first upwards and after this by letting the suspended ceiling (3) lower downwards.