Elevator Mobile Working Platform Storage Cavity for Hoistway Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems face challenges in allowing access to components on top of the elevator car or in the hoistway above the elevator car without reducing the space available for passengers, necessitating the use of additional tools like platforms or ladders.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a storage cavity in the elevator system for a mobile working platform that can be easily accessed by mechanics, with features like drawers, closable boxes, and motors for convenient platform deployment and storage, ensuring minimal space reduction in the passenger compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mobile working platform is permanently installed in the elevator car to allow access to components on top of the elevator car or in the hoistway, then ease of operation for mechanics is improved, but the space available for passengers in the elevator car is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidpassenger space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile working platform is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be deployed only when needed for maintenance work. The platform can be stored in a compact state during normal passenger operation and extended or positioned for work when required, thus providing ease of operation for mechanics while preserving passenger space during regular elevator use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile working platform is stored within or integrated into the elevator car structure in a nested manner, where the platform folds or retracts into a compact configuration that occupies minimal space during passenger transport. This nesting allows the platform to be readily accessible for mechanics while not permanently reducing the passenger compartment area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If a mobile working platform is provided outside the elevator car in a storage cavity to preserve passenger space, then passenger space is maintained, but ease of operation for mechanics deteriorates due to the need to manually transport the platform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger spaceVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile working platform is equipped with self-propelled capabilities or self-positioning mechanisms that allow it to move autonomously or be easily positioned by a single mechanic without requiring manual transport. This self-service feature enables the platform to be quickly deployed from the storage cavity to the working position, maintaining passenger space while restoring ease of operation for mechanics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A motorized or automated mechanism acts as an intermediary between the storage cavity and the working position, automatically transporting or positioning the mobile working platform when needed. This intermediary system eliminates the need for manual transport by mechanics, preserving both passenger space and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If manual handling of the mobile working platform is used to deploy and store it, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to the time required for manual deployment and storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical handling of the mobile working platform is replaced with an automated or motorized deployment and storage system. This substitution reduces the time required for platform deployment and storage, thereby improving productivity, while the automation is integrated in a way that does not excessively increase overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile working platform is pre-positioned in the storage cavity in a ready-to-deploy configuration, and the deployment mechanism is pre-configured to rapidly extend or position the platform when needed. This preliminary preparation allows for quick deployment and storage operations, improving productivity without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260042638A1Elevator system and methods of installing and deinstalling a mobile working platform in an elevator system

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

An elevator system (2) includes a hoistway (4) extending between a plurality of landings (8) and an elevator car (6) that is movable in the hoistway (4) between the plurality of landings (8); landing doors (10) provided at the landings (8); and at least one storage cavity (30) provided at at least one of the landings (8) for accommodating a mobile working platform (50), that is configured to be set up in the elevator car (6). The at least one storage cavity (30) is formed in a wall (24) of the hoistway (4) and/or in a landing door frame (26) provided at the respective landing (8).