Elevator Car Working Platform for Hoistway-Free Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems face challenges in providing easy and safe access to components located on top of or above the elevator car for maintenance and repair purposes, posing risks of accidents and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and elevator 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, utilizing a convertible working platform within the car, and controlling the elevator movement via input devices or mobile control devices, enabling access without entering the hoistway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanic enters the hoistway to access components on top of the elevator car, then access to components is achieved, but safety risks increase due to potential accidents
Solution Approach 1:
A working platform is introduced as an intermediary structure within the elevator car. This platform provides a safe, enclosed workspace that allows mechanics to access components on top of the elevator car without entering the hazardous hoistway environment. The platform acts as a mediator between the mechanic and the target components, eliminating direct exposure to hoistway risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator car interior is segmented to create a dedicated working platform area. This segmentation creates a distinct, safe workspace separated from the rest of the car interior, allowing maintenance activities to be performed in isolation from passenger areas while maintaining safety through enclosed access within the car boundaries.
2Ease of operation
If the elevator car is moved to different maintenance positions, then access to components is improved, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working platform is designed with convertible functionality, able to transform between a storage position (reducing car height for normal operation) and a working position (providing elevated access to components). This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for permanent elevated structures that would increase maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The working platform serves multiple functions: it acts as both a storage area during normal operation and a working platform during maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated maintenance structures, thereby reducing overall maintenance time while improving access to components.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system includes an elevator car configured for moving along a hoistway between a plurality of landings; a working platform, which is provided within the elevator car and convertible between a storage position and a working position; and a controller configured for controlling movement of the elevator car within the hoistway. The controller is switchable into a maintenance mode, in which it is configured for: moving the elevator car into a first maintenance position in which the working platform is accessible from the respective landing; opening a hoistway door at the respective landing and an elevator car door for allowing a person to convert the working platform from the storage position into the working position; and moving the elevator car into a second maintenance position for allowing a person to enter the working platform from the respective landing for accessing at least one component of the elevator system.