Elevator Car Working Platform Using Handrails for Stable Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems lack an efficient and cost-effective mechanism for mechanics to access components at the top of the elevator car or within the hoistway above the elevator car, requiring complex assembly and occupation of valuable space.
Innovation Solution
A working platform comprising multiple platform elements supported by handrail portions within the elevator car, which can be easily installed and removed by a single mechanic, allowing safe access to elevated components without additional supporting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional supporting elements are provided within the elevator car to support the working platform, then the working platform can be supported stably, but the device complexity increases and space within the elevator car is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The handrails in the elevator car are designed to serve dual purposes: their original function of providing safety support for passengers, and the additional function of supporting the working platform during maintenance operations. This eliminates the need for separate supporting elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The existing handrail structure in the elevator car is utilized to support the working platform without requiring additional supporting elements. The handrails serve themselves by providing both passenger safety and platform support functions, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If the working platform is composed of a single large structure, then it provides a continuous working surface, but it becomes difficult to handle and install requiring multiple mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The working platform is divided into multiple individual platform elements that can be handled and installed separately by a single mechanic. These segmented elements are then assembled to form a continuous working surface, maintaining safety while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The platform elements are designed to be stored in a compact nested arrangement within the elevator car when not in use. This allows the segmented platform to be easily stored and deployed without occupying excessive space, while still forming a continuous working surface when assembled
3Reliability
If platform elements are made large to provide sufficient working area, then the working platform is more stable, but the platform elements become difficult to handle and store
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is segmented into multiple smaller elements that are easier to handle and store individually, while when assembled together they provide sufficient working area and stability. Each element is sized for easy manipulation by a single mechanic
Solution Approach 2:
The platform elements are designed with foldable or extendable legs that can be stored in a compact configuration during storage, and deployed to provide stable support when in use. This dimensional transformation allows small storage footprint while maintaining large working area
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a working platform (70) for an elevator car (60) comprising a passenger space (61) for accommodating passengers and at least one handrail (63) within the passenger space. The working platform (70) comprises a plurality of platform elements (71) configured for being supported in a working position within the elevator car (60) by the at least one handrail (63) of the elevator car (60) for providing the working platform (70).