Grooved Modular Elevator Shaft Structure for Rapid Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of elevator shaft support structures is laborious, time-consuming, affects aesthetics, and lacks portability, requiring skilled labor and complex installation processes.

Innovation Solution

A modular structure comprising a first column with 'L' shaped sections interconnected by a semicircular section, a second column for reinforcement, a base plate, and beams with grooves for covering plates, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing the need for fasteners and mechanical vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a reinforced cement concrete wall or masonry wall is used as support structure, then structural strength and stability are improved, but construction time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple modular components including vertical columns, horizontal beams, and connection elements. Each component can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site, dramatically reducing construction time while maintaining structural strength through standardized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical construction methods involving formwork, reinforcement placement, and concrete pouring are replaced with a pre-fabricated modular assembly system. The structure uses standardized mechanical connections between modules rather than traditional concrete bonding, enabling faster installation without skilled labor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If a traditional support structure is constructed, then structural integrity is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to exposed concrete or masonry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The structural function and aesthetic function are merged into a single integrated modular system. The same modular components that provide structural support also serve as the visible architectural element, eliminating the need for separate cladding or finishing work and allowing aesthetic considerations to be built into the structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a traditional support structure is built, then structural stability is ensured, but portability and reconfigurability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is segmented into discrete modular units with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation allows the structure to be disassembled and reassembled in different configurations or locations while maintaining structural stability through consistent connection mechanisms, enabling portability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure transitions from a static permanent construction to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The modular components with standardized connections allow the structure to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured based on changing requirements, providing adaptability without compromising structural stability when properly assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If skilled labor is used for construction, then construction quality is improved, but construction cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction qualityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into pre-fabricated modular components with standardized dimensions and connection methods. This segmentation allows components to be manufactured with high precision in controlled factory environments using automated processes, then assembled on-site through simple standardized connections that do not require skilled labor, reducing both installation complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4430254B1A structure for constructing an elevator shaft
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 VISHAL RUPHAVATHY
  • EP4430254B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4430254B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4430254B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A structure (10) for constructing an elevator shaft is provided. The structure includes a first column (20) to withstand stress. The first column is constructed by coupling a first groove (30) to 'L' shaped sections (40). The 'L' shaped sections are interconnected by a semicircular section (50) forming at least one slot (60) at a junction of coupling between the 'L' shaped sections and the semi-circular section. The structure includes a second column (70) to provide reinforcement to the first column. The structure includes a base plate (140) including projections to secure the second column to the base plate via fasteners. The structure includes beams including a corresponding third groove (170) and a corresponding fourth groove (180). The corresponding third groove and the corresponding fourth groove are to receive a corresponding covering plate (190) and a corresponding right angled section (200) respectively to mount a corresponding sheet (210).