Adjustable Elevator Evacuation Bridge for Narrow Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evacuation bridges for elevator systems are difficult to install and may not provide sufficient width and stability, especially when dealing with narrow evacuation openings and varying gap sizes.
Innovation Solution
An evacuation bridge with a support structure featuring a base plate and adjustable side parts that can be moved between first and second positions to adjust overall width, ensuring compatibility with narrow openings and enhanced stability through locking mechanisms and additional components like bridge railings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the evacuation bridge uses a fixed narrow structure to fit narrow evacuation openings, then it can be installed in existing elevator systems, but it provides insufficient width for safe evacuation
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation bridge employs movable side parts that can be adjusted between different positions. The side parts are connected to the base plate via movable connections (hinges, slots, or adjustable fasteners) allowing the bridge width to be dynamically changed from a first width (compatible with narrow openings) to a second, larger width (providing sufficient evacuation space). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between fitting narrow openings and providing adequate width.
2Area of moving object
If the evacuation bridge is made wider to provide sufficient evacuation space, then it improves safety and comfort, but it becomes difficult to install and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation bridge is divided into modular components: a base plate and movable side parts. The side parts can be detached or folded when not in use, allowing the bridge to be disassembled into smaller segments for easy transport and installation. During installation, the side parts can be positioned and locked into place to form the required width, then quickly removed afterward. This segmentation enables the bridge to provide wide evacuation space when needed while remaining easy to install and transport.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the evacuation bridge uses a rigid structure to ensure stability, then it prevents unwanted vibrations, but it becomes difficult to adjust width and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge employs movable connections between the base plate and side parts, such as hinges, slots, or adjustable fasteners, that allow the width to be changed while maintaining structural integrity. When in use, these connections are locked or positioned to provide the required rigidity and stability, preventing unwanted vibrations. When adjustment is needed, the same connections allow the side parts to be moved to different positions. This dynamic design enables the bridge to switch between adjustable and rigid states as required.
4Area of moving object
If the evacuation bridge is designed as a single large component, then it provides sufficient width, but it cannot be easily transported and installed quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation bridge is segmented into a base plate and detachable side parts that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The side parts can be folded or detached when not in use, allowing the bridge to be broken down into smaller components for easy transport. During installation, the components can be quickly assembled to form the required width, then quickly disassembled afterward. This segmentation dramatically reduces installation time compared to a single large component, while still providing sufficient width when assembled.
Data Source
AI summary
An evacuation bridge for bridging a horizontal gap between two elevator cars of an elevator system in an emergency situation includes: a support structure having a base plate and at least one side part, wherein the base plate is attachable at its ends to evacuation openings of the elevator cars to form a walkway between the evacuation openings; wherein the side part is mounted movably between a first position and a second position to the base plate so that an overall width of the support structure is adjustable to a first overall width by moving the side part in the first position and to a second overall width by moving the side part in the second position; and wherein the first overall width is smaller than an individual width of each evacuation opening and the second overall width is larger than the individual width of each evacuation opening.