Elevator Handrail Lateral Support Bracket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator handrails supported from the bottom can cause injuries to children due to sharp edges when they collide with the support structure, and they are prone to bending downward under passenger weight, which existing designs fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A lateral support system for elevator handrails using a fixing plate assembly with elasticity and a bracket that applies an upward force to the handrail, preventing it from bending downward and ensuring a smooth, curved surface for contact in case of collision, eliminating sharp edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the handrail is supported from the lower side, then the handrail can withstand downward force from passengers, but sharp edges at the support portion can injure children's heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional support approach by supporting the handrail from the lateral side instead of from below. The fixing plate assembly attaches to the side of the handrail, eliminating the need for a lower support structure with sharp edges, while still providing adequate structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature by designing the handrail support interface with rounded surfaces. The fixing plate assembly features a curved contact surface that matches the handrail's cylindrical shape, eliminating sharp edges and providing a smooth, child-safe surface that distributes contact forces evenly
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the handrail is not supported from the lower side, then children are not injured by sharp edges, but the handrail bends downward under passenger weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the support direction from vertical (below) to horizontal (lateral). The fixing plate assembly provides lateral support that prevents downward bending through side attachment, combining the safety benefits of no lower support with the stability of adequate structural reinforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the lateral support structure. The fixing plate assembly simultaneously provides structural support to prevent bending, maintains handrail position, and eliminates sharp edges by using a curved design, achieving multiple objectives through a single integrated solution
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the handrail is supported laterally, then children are protected from sharp edges, but additional structural measures are needed to prevent downward bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function and the safety function into a single lateral fixing structure. The fixing plate assembly provides both lateral support to prevent bending and features a curved surface to eliminate sharp edges, reducing overall structural complexity while achieving multiple safety and functional goals
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral support structure serves multiple functions: it prevents downward bending through lateral attachment, eliminates sharp edges through curved surfaces, and provides easy installation through the bolt connection design. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall 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 significantly reduces the risk of head injuries to children by providing a curved surface for contact and maintaining the handrail's upright position, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly while ensuring operator safety.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing plate assembly has elasticity; and when the bracket is fitted with the fixing plate assembly coupled to the handrail, the stepped portion of the catching projection is engaged with and coupled to the catching hole, the bolt is fitted into the fastening hole, and then the bolt is tightened into the threaded hole of the T-nut, such that the fixing plate assembly is bent downward by elasticity so as to apply an upward force to the handrail
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an elevator handrail supporting device including: a fixing plate assembly 20 and a bracket 50 coupled to the fixing plate assembly, in which the bracket includes T-nut guides 60, a T-nut 70 coupled to the T-nut guides, a stopper 80 being in contact with a bolt head, a bolt support 90, and a catching projection 96, and when the bracket 50 is fitted with the fixing plate assembly 20 coupled to a handrail 10, a stepped portion 94 of the catching projection 96 is engaged with and coupled to a catching hole 24, a bolt is fitted into a fastening hole 22, and then the bolt is tightened into a threaded hole 76 of the T-nut 70, the fixing plate assembly 20 is bent downward by elasticity so as to apply an upward force to the handrail 10.