Elevator system and methods of installing and deinstalling a mobile working platform in such elevator system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems face challenges in allowing access to components on top of the elevator car or in the hoistway above the elevator car without reducing the space available for passengers, necessitating the use of additional tools like ladders or platforms.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a storage cavity at the landing for a mobile working platform that can be easily accessed and stored without occupying passenger space, using a drawer or motor for convenient movement, and a lock for security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mobile working platform is stored inside the elevator car, then a person can access components on top of the elevator car, but the space available for passengers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to componentsVSAvoidpassenger space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile working platform is extracted from the elevator car interior and placed in a storage cavity located in the hoistway wall or landing door frame. This separation allows the platform to be stored outside the passenger area while remaining easily accessible during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage cavity is positioned in a different spatial dimension (the hoistway wall or landing door frame) rather than inside the elevator car. This dimensional relocation enables the platform to be stored in three-dimensional space outside the car without occupying passenger area, while still being accessible when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If a storage cavity is provided in the hoistway wall or landing door frame, then the mobile working platform can be stored without occupying passenger space, but the platform may be difficult to access and store

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger spaceVSAvoidaccess to platform
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A drawer mechanism is introduced to enable dynamic movement of the mobile working platform in and out of the storage cavity. The drawer can be manually or motor-driven, allowing easy access to the platform during maintenance while keeping it compactly stored when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drawer acts as an intermediary mechanism between the storage cavity and the maintenance personnel. It provides a convenient interface for accessing the platform without requiring direct entry into the storage cavity, simplifying the storage and retrieval process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the drawer is manually movable, then the system is reliable and cost-effective, but automated movement is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer movementVSAvoiddrawer movement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The drawer is designed to be manually movable, allowing maintenance personnel to independently access and retrieve the mobile working platform without requiring automated systems. This self-service approach enhances reliability and reduces system complexity while remaining cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system offers flexibility in automation level by allowing the drawer to be either manually or motor-driven. This parameter change enables adaptation to different operational requirements, balancing automation extent with reliability and cost considerations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Extent of automation

If a motor is used to move the drawer, then automated access to the platform is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer movementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows flexibility in automation level by enabling the drawer to be either manually or motor-driven. This parameter change enables adaptation to different operational requirements, balancing automation extent with system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The motor acts as an automated intermediary to move the drawer, reducing the need for manual intervention. While this increases automation, it also introduces additional system complexity that must be managed through proper integration and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Ease of operation

If the storage cavity is open, then the platform is easily accessible, but the platform is exposed to adverse external influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to platformVSAvoidprotection from dirt and moisture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage cavity incorporates a closable door that can be dynamically opened when the platform needs access and closed when protection is required. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between accessibility and protection modes as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The door acts as an intermediary element between the storage cavity interior and the external environment. It provides a controllable barrier that protects the platform from dirt and moisture while allowing easy access when opened, balancing protection with accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4691956A1Elevator system and methods of installing and deinstalling a mobile working platform in such elevator system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4691956A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4691956A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4691956A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An elevator system (2) comprises a hoistway (4) extending between a plurality of landings (8) and an elevator car (6) that is movable in the hoistway (4) between the plurality of landings (8); landing doors (10) provided at the landings (8); and at least one storage cavity (30) provided at at least one of the landings (8) for accommodating a mobile working platform (50), that is configured to be set up in the elevator car (6). The at least one storage cavity (30) is formed in a wall (24) of the hoistway (4) and/or in a landing door frame (26) provided at the respective landing (8).