Expandable Platform for Elevator Hoistways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction methods for elevator hoistways face challenges in accommodating elevators of varying widths, depths, and capacities, as they require a temporary working platform that is not easily adaptable to different dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An expandable platform with adjustable frame assemblies, comprising corner members and side members that can be adjusted in depth and width, supported by extension members to fit various elevator hoistway dimensions, allowing for flexible installation and reuse across different sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size temporary working platform is used in elevator hoistways, then the platform structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate elevators of varying widths and depths
Solution Approach 1:
The platform frame is divided into modular components including corner members with slots, side members with openings, and extension members that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows the platform to be customized to fit different hoistway dimensions while maintaining manageable structural complexity through standardized connection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates adjustable mechanisms where corner members can be positioned at different locations along the side members, and extension members can be added or removed to modify the platform dimensions. This dynamic adjustability enables adaptation to various elevator sizes without requiring completely different platform designs.
2Productivity
If a custom platform is designed for each elevator size, then the platform fits the specific hoistway dimensions perfectly, but the manufacturing and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform design incorporates universal connection elements such as standardized slots in corner members and corresponding openings in side members that work across different platform configurations. This universality allows a single set of component designs to serve multiple elevator sizes, reducing manufacturing complexity and installation time compared to custom-designed platforms for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform components are designed with pre-configured connection features and adjustment mechanisms that allow for rapid assembly on-site. The corner members, side members, and extension members can be quickly connected using the standardized interface, eliminating the need for time-consuming custom fabrication or complex assembly procedures for each elevator size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the platform uses fixed connection methods, then the structural stability is high, but the ability to adjust dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into discrete adjustable connections rather than fixed rigid joints. Corner members connect to side members through slots and openings that allow controlled movement and adjustment, while maintaining stability through the distributed connection architecture. This segmentation enables dimensional adaptability without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism allows for parameter changes in position and configuration while maintaining stable structural composition. The slots and openings in the connection elements can be adjusted to different positions to accommodate various dimensions, and the interlocking design ensures that structural stability is maintained across different configurations through consistent connection characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable platform for use within an elevator hoistway is provided. The expandable platform includes a plurality of corner members slidably connected to a plurality of side members. The corner members and the side members form an adjustable frame assembly. A plurality of extension members is connected to opposing side members. The extension members are configured to support a plurality of support surfaces. A depth and a width of the adjustable frame assembly can be adjusted to fit elevator hoistways having various depths and widths.