Elevator Working Platform With Offset Suspension Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator car maintenance platforms face limitations in range of movement due to their dimensions, particularly in smaller cars, where the height of the platform is crucial for accessing components above the ceiling and ensuring emergency refuge, and existing suspension mechanisms restrict the platform's range and footprint.
Innovation Solution
An extendable suspension arrangement with offset connection points and a pivotable connection plate allows the working platform to achieve a long extension height while maintaining a compact footprint, and a counterforce generator with a tension member assists in moving the platform between operational and stowed positions, reducing the need for manual lifting and ensuring smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a scissor mechanism is used to suspend the working platform, then the platform can be supported at various heights, but the range of movement is limited by the dimensions of the working platform
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension arrangement is divided into two separate arm members (first arm member and second arm member) that can slide independently relative to each other along parallel paths. This segmentation allows each arm to extend the full range of motion without being constrained by the width of the working platform, thereby achieving greater extension height while maintaining a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second arm members. The connection plate provides sliding connection points that enable the arm members to move relative to each other while maintaining proper alignment and support for the working platform. This intermediary mechanism facilitates the sliding motion that resolves the contradiction between extension height and footprint.
2Area of stationary object
If the working platform is made compact to fit smaller elevator cars, then the footprint is reduced, but the height of the platform is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension arrangement transitions from a static scissor mechanism to a dynamic sliding configuration. The arm members can slide parallel to each other, allowing the system to adapt its extension height independently of the working platform's footprint. This dynamic capability enables compact platforms to achieve full extension height when needed.
3Length of moving object
If telescopic arms are employed in the scissor mechanism to increase range of movement, then the extension height is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the suspension mechanism from a rotating scissor action to a parallel sliding action. This parameter change simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for telescopic arms and complex joint arrangements, while still achieving the desired range of movement through the sliding connection points on the connection plate.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An elevator car (1) defining an interior space (2) for accommodating passengers and/or cargo, comprising a support frame (4) positioned above the interior space (2), a working platform (6) moveable between a stowed position, above the interior space (2), and an operational position, within the interior space (2) and at least one extendable suspension arrangement (8a, 8b) arranged to suspend the working platform (6) from the support frame (4). The extendable suspension arrangement (8a, 8b) includes a connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), a first arm member (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) connected at a first end (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to the support frame (4) and slidably connected to a first connection point (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) of the connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) and a second arm member (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) connected at another first end (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) to the working platform and slidably connected to a second connection point (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) of the connection plate (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d). The first arm member (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) and the second arm member (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) are configured to slide parallel to each other, along a sliding direction (13a), in order to extend the extendable suspension arrangement (8a, 8b) when the working platform (6) moves between the stowed position and the operational position. The first connection point (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) and the second connection point (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) have an offset from one another at least in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (13a).