Frame-like Elevator Shaft Structure with Interlocking Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of frame-like elevator shaft structures is complicated by the need for numerous screws and/or rivets, and unstable structures can result from unsecured engagement of elements, posing safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A frame-like elevator shaft structure is designed with constructional elements that interact through hook-like members and openings, allowing assembly in a specific order to prevent disassembly, reducing the need for screws and rivets, and ensuring stability by engaging elements in a form-fitting manner, with optional use of screws or rivets for final fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If numerous screws and/or rivets are used to secure constructional elements, then the stability and safety of the shaft structure is improved, but the logistics complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of shaft structureVSAvoidlogistics complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for numerous screws and rivets by implementing a form-fitting engagement system where constructional elements interlock through geometric shapes (hooks, slots, protrusions) that naturally secure elements to one another, removing the separate fastening components while maintaining structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The constructional elements feature asymmetric geometric profiles with specific hook-like members, angled surfaces, and non-reciprocal engagement geometries that allow assembly in only one direction and prevent disassembly, creating inherent stability through asymmetric form-fitting connections rather than symmetric fastening hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Device complexity

If constructional elements are merely brought into engagement without securing, then the logistics is simplified, but the shaft structure becomes unstable and hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogistics simplicityVSAvoidstability of shaft structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The constructional elements are designed to self-secure through their own geometric features during assembly, where the form-fitting engagement of elements automatically prevents disengagement without requiring external fastening actions, making the elements self-sufficient for both connection and stabilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement mechanism transitions from a static fastened state to a dynamic assembly process where elements are easily engaged during construction but become inherently secure and resistant to disengagement once assembled, with the geometric interlocking providing automatic stabilization as elements are brought into place

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If constructional elements are designed with form-fitting engagement to prevent disassembly, then the number of parts is reduced, but the assembly process becomes more complex requiring specific sequences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft structure is divided into modular constructional elements with standardized form-fitting engagement features, allowing the structure to be assembled from discrete segments that can be manufactured separately and connected through geometric interlocking, reducing the need for separate fastening parts while maintaining ease of modular assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3222573B1Frame-like elevator shaft structure
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 THYSSENKRUPP HOME SOLUTIONS SRL
  • EP3222573B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3222573B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3222573B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a frame-like elevator shaft structure comprising a plurality of constructional elements, the constructional elements being adapted in such a way that a first constructional element (10;14) brought into releasable engagement with a second constructional element (12;16) is no longer disengageable from the second constructional element when a third constructional element (26, 25;30) is brought into engagement with the first constructional element (10;14) and/or the second constructional element (12;16).