Elevator Working Platform Load Detection and Movable Balustrade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator safety systems are not sufficiently efficient in obtaining first-hand information of a person's presence on top of the elevator car, particularly in terms of space consumption, and do not provide a compact and safe overall structure for safety functions.
Innovation Solution
A new elevator safety arrangement that includes a working platform with a sensing arrangement to detect loads and a movable balustrade that can be positioned between upright and horizontal positions, allowing for efficient detection of persons or objects on the platform and preventing crushing hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensing arrangement is added to detect load on the working platform, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing arrangement is integrated into the working platform structure itself, combining the platform's structural function with the sensing function. The load sensing capability is built into the platform's support mechanism, eliminating the need for separate detection devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The working platform serves multiple functions: it provides a structural support surface, enables load detection through integrated sensors, and works in conjunction with the balustrade system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If a movable balustrade is mounted on the working platform, then safety against falling is improved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balustrade is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt between an upright protective position and a retracted position. This dynamic design enables the balustrade to provide safety when needed while minimizing space consumption during normal elevator operation, resolving the contradiction between safety and space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The balustrade utilizes the vertical dimension by folding or retracting along the platform's surface rather than extending horizontally. This dimensional transformation allows the safety barrier to be stored in a compact form that consumes minimal space while still providing full protective coverage when deployed.
3Reliability
If the balustrade is positioned in upright position, then protection against falling is improved, but space for car movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The balustrade's movable design allows it to be positioned upright only when service personnel are present on the platform, dynamically adapting to operational needs. During normal passenger elevator operation, the balustrade is retracted to maximize hoistway space, thus resolving the contradiction between fall protection and movement space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is configured so that the balustrade is automatically positioned or manually set to the upright protective position in advance before any service operation begins. This preliminary action ensures safety is ready when needed without permanently occupying space that would be required for normal elevator operations.
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
The solution provides reliable and space-efficient detection of loads on the working platform, ensuring the safety of individuals on top of the elevator car by preventing crushing hazards and maintaining a compact overall structure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensing arrangement for sensing load of the working platform
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an elevator safety arrangement comprising a hoistway; an elevator car mounted in the hoistway; a working platform mounted on top of the roof the elevator car; at least one sensing arrangement for sensing load of the working platform and at least one balustrade. Said balustrade is mounted on the working platform such that its weight is carried by the working platform, and in that it is movable between a substantially upright position and a substantially horizontal position.