Convertible Elevator Car Platform for Roof Component Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems lack efficient and safe methods for accessing components located on top of or above the elevator car for maintenance and repair, posing risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows a mechanic to access components on top of or above the elevator car by moving the elevator car to specific maintenance positions, using a convertible working platform within the car, and controlling the elevator car with a controller or mobile device for safe and convenient access without entering the hoistway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanic enters the hoistway outside the elevator car to access components, then access to components is possible, but the risk of accidents increases and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A working platform is introduced as an intermediary structure between the mechanic and the components. The platform is positioned within the elevator car but extended to reach components on top of or above the car, allowing the mechanic to access components without entering the hoistway. This mediator structure eliminates the safety risk while maintaining access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The working platform extends vertically from the elevator car floor to reach components located above the car. By utilizing the vertical dimension within the car space rather than horizontal movement into the hoistway, the system enables component access while keeping the mechanic protected inside the car.
2Ease of operation
If the elevator car is moved to different positions to access components, then component accessibility improves, but maintenance time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The working platform is pre-configured within the elevator car in a storage position during normal operations. When maintenance is needed, the platform is quickly converted from storage to working position, and the car is moved to a predetermined maintenance position that optimizes access to components. This preliminary preparation minimizes the time required for maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The working platform is designed to be dynamically convertible between storage and working positions. This dynamic transformation allows the platform to adapt to different maintenance scenarios without requiring permanent structural changes or complex reconfigurations, reducing maintenance setup time.
3Reliability
If a working platform is provided within the elevator car for accessing components, then safety and convenience improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working platform serves multiple functions: it acts as a storage structure during normal operations and transforms into a working platform for maintenance activities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated maintenance equipment, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining safety benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The working platform employs a convertible design that transitions between compact storage and extended working configurations. This dynamic design allows the platform to provide enhanced safety functionality without requiring permanently complex structures, as the complexity is only activated when needed for maintenance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An elevator system (2) comprises an elevator car (6), which is configured for moving along a hoistway (4) between a plurality of landings (8a-8d); a working platform (24), which is provided within the elevator car (6) and which is convertible between a storage position and a working position; and a controller (15), which is configured for controlling movement of the elevator car (6) within the hoistway (4). The controller (15) is switchable into a maintenance mode, in which it is configured for: moving the elevator car (6) into a first maintenance position in which the working platform (24) is accessible from the respective landing (8a-8d); opening a hoistway door (10) at the respective landing (8a-8d) and an elevator car door (11) for allowing a person (20) to convert the working platform (24) from the storage position into the working position; and moving the elevator car (6) into a second maintenance position for allowing a person (20) to enter the working platform (24) from the respective landing (8a-8d) for accessing at least one component (18, 19) of the elevator system (2), which is located on top of and/or above the elevator car (6), from the working platform (24) by reaching out through an upper portion of the elevator car (6).