Foldable Elevator Working Platform With Concealed Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator cars with working platforms lack a safe and efficient mechanism for accessing the interior space while maintaining a pleasing appearance and preventing passenger interaction with working parts.
Innovation Solution
A coverable opening in the working platform, aligned with a concealing panel opening, allows access to the interior space, and a counterforce generator assists in moving the platform between positions, ensuring safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a working platform is provided in the elevator car ceiling, then maintenance access is improved, but passenger safety is compromised due to exposed working parts
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling is divided into two functional segments: a decorative concealing panel for aesthetic purposes and safety, and a working platform for maintenance operations. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between maintenance access and passenger safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The concealing panel acts as an intermediary element between the working platform and the passengers. It conceals the working platform when not in use, preventing passenger interaction with working parts, while allowing controlled access when maintenance is required through aligned openings.
2Ease of operation
If a working platform is made accessible from the interior space, then ease of operation is improved, but the aesthetic appearance of the elevator car is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling structure is segmented into a concealing panel that provides aesthetic appearance and a working platform that provides functionality. The panel can be independently positioned to conceal the working platform, maintaining aesthetic appearance while preserving access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The working platform can be moved between retracted and deployed positions, and the concealing panel can be positioned to either conceal or reveal the platform, allowing the system to adapt between aesthetic and functional states as needed.
3Ease of operation
If openings are provided in the working platform and concealing panel, then access to interior space is improved, but structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Openings are provided only in specific locations where alignment between the working platform and concealing panel is required for access. The majority of the structure remains intact, maintaining structural integrity while providing localized access points when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An elevator car (1) defines an interior space (2) for accommodating passengers and/or cargo. The elevator car (1) includes a support frame (8) positioned above the interior space (2), a working platform (12) moveable between a stowed position, above the interior space (2), and an operational position, suspended within the interior space (2), and at least one suspension arrangement (14) arranged to suspend the working platform (12) from the support frame (8). The working platform (12) comprises a platform opening (15) and a platform emergency escape door (13). The platform emergency escape door (13) is movable between a closed position in which the platform door (13) covers the platform opening (15) and an open position in which the platform emergency escape door (13) at least partially does not cover the platform opening (15).