Elevator Car Movable Working Platform Scissor Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems do not provide a safe and convenient method for mechanics to access areas on top or above the elevator car for repair and maintenance purposes.
Innovation Solution
A movable working platform that transitions between a retracted storage position and a deployed working position, supported by a scissor mechanism with gas spring elements, allowing safe and convenient access to the top or above the elevator car, with optional features such as telescopic scissor legs, stabilizer mechanisms, and a lockable cover element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid chassis with articulated arms is used to allow vertical displacement of the car roof, then the roof can be elevated for maintenance access, but the structure occupies substantial space within the interior space of the elevator car when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The working platform is designed to nest within the elevator car interior when retracted, with the platform and support structure folding into a compact configuration that occupies minimal space within the car boundaries, similar to how nested dolls store within each other
2Ease of operation
If the working platform is lowered into the interior space for maintenance work, then mechanics can access areas on top of the elevator car, but the platform may drop suddenly causing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
Gas spring elements are pre-installed on the scissor mechanism to provide cushioning force before the platform reaches its lower position, preventing sudden drops and ensuring controlled descent that protects the mechanic from injury
Solution Approach 2:
The gas spring elements provide continuous force feedback during platform movement, automatically adjusting to the platform's position and weight to maintain controlled motion and prevent uncontrolled dropping
3Device complexity
If the working platform is moved manually between positions, then the structure remains simple, but it requires substantial effort to raise the platform from deployed to retracted position
Solution Approach 1:
Gas spring elements are integrated into the scissor mechanism to provide pneumatic assistance during platform movement, reducing the manual effort required to raise and lower the working platform while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces the risk of injury during platform movement, facilitates easy access and maintenance, and enhances safety and convenience for mechanics by providing a stable and efficient mechanism for moving the working platform between positions.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one gas spring element extending between the scissor legs of the at least one scissor mechanism in particular supports the movement of the working platform between the retracted storage position and the deployed working position
Implementation Method 2
The at least one gas spring element in particular prevents the working platform from dropping from the retracted storage position into the deployed working position
Data Source
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AI summary
An elevator car (6) defining an interior space (12) for accommodating passengers and/or cargo comprises a support frame (22) positioned on top of the interior space (12); and a working platform (28) movably mounted to the support frame (22) by a support structure (31). The support structure (31) comprises at least one scissor mechanism (30) including two scissor legs (30a, 30b) pivotably connected with each other. A first end of each scissor leg (30a, 30b) is pivotably connected to the support frame (22), and a second end of each scissor leg (30a, 30b) is pivotably connected to the working platform (28). The support structure (31) further comprises at least one gas spring element (32) extending between the scissor legs (30a, 30b) of the at least one scissor mechanism (30). The at least one gas spring element (32) may be configured for supporting the movement of the working platform (28).