Elevator Pad Mounting With Flexible Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator pads face challenges in mounting due to fixed grommet locations that do not align with the varying positions of mounting hardware in different elevator cabs, requiring precise determination of stud locations for proper installation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of flexible loops secured to a mounting strip on the backside of the pad, allowing for easy attachment to wall studs or ceiling hardware without visible grommets, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance and ease of installation regardless of hardware location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed grommets are used for mounting the pad, then the pad can be securely attached to wall studs, but the grommets must be precisely positioned to align with hardware locations that vary between elevator cabs
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from fixed grommet positions to flexible loops that can dynamically adjust their position along the mounting strip. The loops can be relocated along the strip to align with different hardware locations in various elevator cabs, providing both secure attachment and adaptability to varying mounting configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting strip is divided into multiple segments with loops spaced at intervals. This segmentation allows the installer to select and use only the specific loop that aligns with the hardware location, while other loops remain unused. This resolves the contradiction by providing multiple discrete attachment points that accommodate varying hardware positions while maintaining secure attachment at the selected point.
2Manufacturing precision
If grommets are positioned precisely for each cab's hardware location, then neat mounting without bunching or stretching is achieved, but the building engineer must accurately determine hardware locations before ordering pads
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple loops are pre-positioned along the mounting strip at various intervals during manufacturing. This preliminary action provides multiple potential attachment points, eliminating the need for precise pre-determination of the exact hardware location. The installer can simply attach the pad at the loop that happens to align with the hardware, achieving neat installation without requiring precise preliminary measurements or planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of mounting point position from fixed to variable. By providing multiple loops at different positions along the strip, the effective mounting point can be changed to match the hardware location, achieving both precise appearance and ease of installation without requiring the engineer to determine exact locations beforehand.
3Ease of operation
If loops are used instead of grommets, then easy mounting to hardware at any location is enabled, but the loops must remain hidden below the top edge of the pad for aesthetic purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is moved to a different dimension - specifically, to the backside of the pad below the top edge. The loops are positioned in this lower dimension where they can perform their mounting function freely without being visible from the front. This dimensional separation allows the aesthetic front surface to remain clean while the functional loops provide easy mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting strip acts as an intermediary element that carries the loops below the visible area. This intermediary structure allows the loops to be positioned where they are needed for easy mounting while remaining hidden from view. The strip serves as a mediator between the aesthetic requirements of the visible pad surface and the functional requirements of the mounting system.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved elevator pad assembly includes a plurality of closely spaced, flexible loops secured to the backside of a protective elevator pad, preferably within the upper margin near the top edge of the pad. In one embodiment, the loops are formed as part of a narrow mounting strip affixed to the back cover of the pad. Each loop lies hidden from view below the upper edge of the pad, and remains hidden from view even when fastened to a wall stud or other mounting hardware affixed to the elevator cab walls or ceiling. The flexible loops eliminate the need for grommets and make it easy to mount the pad assembly on elevator cab mounting hardware, allowing the elevator pad to be neatly positioned against the wall without bunching or sagging.