Elevator Ceiling Unit Integrated Frame Reduces Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator designs have a large number of components and a high mass due to separate upper frames and ceiling plates, which increases complexity and weight.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling unit is designed with an integrated upper frame formed by side beams, a rear beam, a front beam, and an upper beam, which supports a ceiling plate, reducing the number of components and mass by sharing structural elements and distributing loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate upper frame and ceiling plate structures are used, then structural strength is ensured, but the number of components and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the upper frame and ceiling plate into a single integrated ceiling unit structure. The ceiling unit includes side beams, rear beam, front beam, and ceiling plate formed as one unified component, eliminating the need for separate upper frame and ceiling plate assemblies while maintaining the required structural strength through integrated load-bearing design.
2Strength
If separate upper frame and ceiling plate structures are used, then structural strength is ensured, but the mass of the elevator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling unit integrates the upper frame and ceiling plate functions into a single component, reducing the total mass by eliminating redundant structural elements. The integrated design allows for optimized material distribution and weight reduction while maintaining sufficient strength to withstand offset loads and maintenance worker weights.
3Device complexity
If integrated ceiling unit is used, then the number of components and mass are reduced, but structural integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated ceiling unit is designed with segmented functional zones including side beams for lateral support, rear beam for backward support, front beam for forward support, and ceiling plate for load distribution. This segmentation within integration ensures that each region performs its specific structural function while maintaining overall structural integrity as a unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling unit employs composite structural design combining different geometric forms and material distributions within the integrated component. The side beams, rear beam, front beam, and ceiling plate are configured with optimized cross-sections and thickness variations to achieve uniform stress distribution and maintain structural integrity throughout the unified structure.
4Weight of stationary object
If integrated ceiling unit is used, then mass is reduced, but load distribution capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated ceiling unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: the side beams provide lateral load distribution, the rear beam handles backward offset loads, the front beam manages forward loads, and the ceiling plate distributes maintenance worker weights. This multi-functionality within a single component ensures comprehensive load distribution capability while minimizing mass through elimination of separate specialized structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of this invention is to obtain a ceiling unit having reduced weight and improved rigidity, and an elevator car including the ceiling unit. The ceiling unit according to this invention includes a first side beam 711 supported by at least one of a plurality of upright columns 4 erected on a floor plate 3 of an elevator car, a second side beam 711 supported parallel to the first side beam 711 by a different upright column 4, among the plurality of upright columns 4, from the upright column 4 supporting the first side beam 711, a rear beam 712 that connects respective rear side end portions of the first and second side beams 711, and a ceiling plate 72 supported by the first and second side beams 711 and the rear beam 712.