Elevator Installation Support Structure With Below-Surface Hoist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elevator installation methods using temporary work surfaces, such as false cars, occupy valuable space above the work area, reduce available space for workers, and require additional steps like construction, installation, and dismantling, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with a hoist positioned partially below the work surface, allowing increased space for workers and enabling efficient installation by moving the work surface vertically within the elevator shaft, using a suspension member to support the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the hoist is positioned above the temporary work surface, then the hoist can support the work surface, but the hoist occupies space above the work area and reduces available working space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the hoist below the temporary work surface instead of above it. The hoist is mounted on the elevator car and extends upward to support the temporary work surface, allowing workers to stand on the work surface without the hoist occupying overhead space. This inversion resolves the space conflict while maintaining structural support.
2Ease of operation
If a false car is used as a temporary work surface, then workers have a platform to install components, but additional steps are required including construction, installation, dismantling, and removal of the false car
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the elevator car itself multi-functional by using it both as the permanent elevator structure and as the mounting base for the temporary work surface. The hoist is attached to the elevator car, and the temporary work surface is supported by the hoist, allowing the elevator car to serve dual purposes during installation. This eliminates the need for separate false car construction and dismantling steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the false car concept with the elevator car structure. Instead of constructing a separate false car, the temporary work surface is mounted directly to the elevator car via the hoist system. This combination consolidates multiple components into a unified installation approach, reducing the number of installation and dismantling steps required.
3Ease of operation
If a false car is used as a temporary work surface, then workers have a platform for installation, but the false car typically has a lower maximum capacity than the elevator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the elevator car multi-functional, using it both as the permanent elevator structure and as the mounting base for the temporary work surface. Since the elevator car itself has the full required capacity, there is no need to design a separate false car with reduced capacity. The hoist system transfers loads directly to the elevator car, which is structurally designed to handle the full elevator capacity.
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
This approach increases available working space, reduces installation time, and lowers costs by optimizing the use of a higher-capacity elevator car, enhancing overall efficiency and reducing the need for temporary structures.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension member is coupled to the hoist and extends from the hoist in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The suspension member is coupled to the hoist and extends from the hoist in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator installation system includes a support structure having a first surface and a second surface. The support structure is configured to support a worker standing on the first surface. The support structure includes at least a portion of an elevator car comprising an elevator cab. The elevator cab includes an interior space for use by at least one of a passenger or cargo. The second surface is a surface of the interior of the elevator cab. The elevator installation system includes a hoist supporting the support structure such that at least a portion of the hoist is coupled with the second surface. The elevator installation system includes a suspension member coupled to the hoist and extending from the hoist in the first direction.