Incline Elevator Rail Restraints and Modular Deck Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing incline elevator systems face challenges on steep or unstable surfaces, are difficult to transport and install, prone to derailment, and require custom-built decks that are costly, time-consuming, and prone to erosion and slipperiness.

Innovation Solution

A modular incline elevator system with laterally spaced rails and a carriage secured by restraining members, and a modular deck system with self-supporting box treads and stanchions, allowing easy assembly and reconfiguration, and featuring a non-slip surface design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional incline elevator systems are installed on steep or unstable surfaces, then transportation between upper and lower locations is provided, but the system becomes prone to derailment and installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarriage stabilityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rail system is divided into modular sections that can be independently installed and assembled on steep or unstable surfaces. Each rail section includes integrated restraining members that provide derailment protection without requiring complex additional structures, enabling straightforward installation while maintaining carriage stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The restraining members are pre-integrated into the rail structure during manufacturing, positioned to extend beneath the rail bottom surface. This preliminary configuration ensures derailment protection is built-in before installation, eliminating the need for complex post-installation adjustments or additional safety structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If custom-built deck systems with support beams and joists are constructed, then access to incline elevators is provided, but construction becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeck accessibilityVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The deck system is segmented into modular components including deck boards, support blocks, and connection elements that can be rapidly assembled without requiring complex beam and joist structures. This modular approach maintains full deck accessibility while dramatically reducing construction time and material requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional complex support structure (beams, joists, trusses) is extracted and replaced with simplified support blocks that directly rest on the ground or existing surface. This extraction eliminates unnecessary structural elements while preserving deck accessibility and load-bearing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If traditional wood decks are used, then deck structure is provided, but the materials wear over time and cause erosion due to water run-off patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeck structural integrityVSAvoiderosion and slipperiness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deck system uses composite materials including synthetic deck boards with integrated drainage features and erosion-resistant support blocks. These materials provide durable structural integrity while incorporating water management capabilities that prevent erosion and maintain slip resistance through textured surfaces and drainage channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The deck components incorporate localized quality features such as textured surfaces on deck boards for slip resistance, integrated drainage channels to control water run-off patterns, and elevated support blocks to prevent direct ground contact. These local modifications address erosion and slipperiness issues without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 system ensures carriage stability, easy transport and installation, reduces installation costs, and provides a durable, non-slip, and erosion-resistant deck surface.

Implementation Method 1

At least one roller is rotatably coupled to each of the beams and engaged with the upper bearing surface of one of the rails

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Implementation Method 2

Each of the beams includes a restraining member extending laterally beneath the bottom surface of the rail in a vertically spaced relationship therewith

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12410037B2Incline elevator and modular deck system and methods for the assembly, use and shipping thereof

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 SUND JOHN

AI summary

An incline elevator system includes a pair of laterally spaced rails and a carriage configured with restraining members extending laterally beneath a bottom surface of the rail in a vertically spaced relationship therewith. A rail kit, together with methods of assembling the elevator system, is also provided. A modular deck system includes a plurality of box treads arranged in an array and a plurality of stanchions supporting the array. Methods of assembling the array of box treads are also provided.