Glass Elevator Floor Structural Integrity via Unitary Plate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass elevators lack improvements in design and functionality, particularly in terms of structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, and ease of manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The innovations include a floor made from unitary, continuous, solid plate material, structural rings formed from the same material, cladding members for guide rails, and radiused bends formed using cold forming processes to enhance visibility and structural rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If glass materials are used for floor, wall and ceiling elements to provide visibility, then transparency and aesthetic appeal are improved, but structural integrity and manufacturing complexity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures where glass panels are integrated with metal framing systems and support mechanisms. The glass elements provide transparency while the metal components contribute structural strength, creating a composite assembly that satisfies both visibility and structural integrity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different material properties to different parts of the elevator enclosure. Glass materials are used specifically for panels requiring transparency, while metal materials are used for structural framing and support elements requiring high strength, optimizing each local region for its specific functional requirement.
2Strength
If complex structural designs are used to improve strength and rigidity, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator enclosure is divided into modular segments including interchangeable panels, standardized framing sections, and discrete structural components. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity through proper assembly of standardized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal structural elements and standardized components that serve multiple functions. For example, the metal framing system provides both structural support and mounting surfaces for glass panels, while certain structural elements serve both aesthetic and load-bearing functions, reducing the total number of different components needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional elevator enclosure designs are used, then manufacturing experience is available, but aesthetic appeal and visibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional elevator enclosure approach by making glass the primary structural and aesthetic element rather than using glass merely as infilling within metal frameworks. This inversion allows for larger glass surfaces and more innovative structural configurations while still leveraging traditional metalworking techniques for the support system.
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
These innovations provide a stronger, more aesthetically pleasing, and easier-to-manufacture glass elevator solution, with improved visibility and structural integrity, while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
radiused bends formed using cold forming processes
Data Source
AI summary
A floor for use with a glass elevator is provided. The floor includes an upper major surface and a lower major surface opposing the upper major surface. The floor also includes a first side edge and a second side edge opposing the first side edge. A first front edge extends from the first side edge to a first front edge recess. A second front edge extends from the second side edge to a second front edge recess. A first rear edge extends from the first side edge to a rear edge recess. A second rear edge extends from the second side edge to the rear edge recess. The upper and lower major surfaces extend in a continuous, uninterrupted form from the first side edge to the second side edge and from the first and second front edges to the first and second rear edges.