Automated Elevator Shaft Installation Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of elevator components within a shaft is labor-intensive and costly, often requiring manual work by fitters, which can be hazardous and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A procedure that involves planning and partially automating the installation process using an automated assembly device, which includes deriving a target layout from shaft dimensions, checking feasibility, and executing specific installation steps like drilling and anchoring, while allowing manual completion by fitters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If manual installation by fitters is used, then installation flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but installation costs increase and health hazards arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehealth hazardsVSAvoidinstallation automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The installation process is divided into multiple phases: planning phase (deriving target layout, defining automated steps), verification phase (checking feasibility), and execution phase (automated installation steps followed by manual completion). This segmentation allows hazardous repetitive tasks to be automated while preserving manual intervention for complex final steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The method performs preliminary actions including deriving target layout from shaft dimensions, defining which installation steps should be automated, and verifying feasibility before actual installation. This preliminary planning ensures that automated steps are properly prepared and validated before execution, reducing risks during automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If full manual installation is used, then installation complexity is managed through human judgment, but productivity decreases and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation process is segmented into automated installation steps and manual completion steps. The automated steps handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks like drilling and anchoring, significantly improving productivity. The manual steps handle complex judgment-required tasks, managing overall process complexity through human expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The method includes verification steps where the defined automated installation steps are checked for feasibility against the target layout and actual shaft dimensions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the automated process is properly configured and validated, managing complexity through systematic verification before execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If automated assembly device is introduced, then installation costs are reduced and safety improved, but planning and setup complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation costVSAvoidplanning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The method performs comprehensive preliminary actions including deriving target layout from shaft dimensions, defining automated installation steps, and verifying feasibility before actual installation. This thorough upfront planning reduces uncertainties and complexities during execution, making the automated process more manageable despite initial planning requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated assembly device performs installation steps autonomously based on the predefined target layout and planned steps. The system serves itself by automatically executing drilling, anchoring, and other repetitive tasks without continuous human intervention, reducing ongoing operational complexity and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If installation steps are automated, then labor intensity is reduced, but measurement and verification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabor intensityVSAvoidverification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The method incorporates verification steps where the defined automated installation steps are checked for feasibility against the target layout and actual shaft dimensions. This feedback ensures proper configuration and validates that automated steps are appropriate, managing verification complexity through systematic checking rather than ad-hoc measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The target layout is derived from shaft dimensions before installation begins, and the automated steps are defined and verified in advance. This preliminary measurement and planning work establishes a clear blueprint that guides automated installation, reducing the need for complex measurements during the actual installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3856672B1Method for planning and at least partial installation of a lift system in a lift shaft
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 INVENTIO AG
  • EP3856672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3856672B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3856672B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for planning and at least partially installing an elevator system (12) in an elevator shaft (10), wherein automated installation steps are carried out by an automated assembly apparatus (14). The method comprises the following method steps: deriving a target layout of the elevator system (12) from target dimensions of the elevator shaft, defining the installation steps to be carried out by an automated assembly apparatus (14), verifying that the automated installation steps can be carried out by the assembly apparatus (14), detecting several actual dimensions of the elevator shaft (10), deriving an actual layout of the elevator system (12) from the target layout of the elevator system (12) and the detected actual dimensions of the elevator shaft (10), planning the automated installation steps based on the actual layout of the elevator system (12) and carrying out the automated installation steps by means of the assembly apparatus (14).