Modular Elevator Assembly Using Internal Lifting Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for constructing elevators are material-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, often causing long standstill times in construction sites or factory halls due to the need for large cranes and manual assembly, which is hazardous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a lifting device to raise and lower pre-assembled components one atop the other, eliminating the need for scaffolds and large cranes, and allowing for safe, quick construction using smaller, synchronized lifters and automated monitoring for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If large cranes and scaffolds are used to construct elevators floor by floor, then the elevator can be built to desired height, but the construction becomes material-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator is divided into modular floor components that can be pre-assembled and then stacked vertically. Each floor is a self-contained unit with coupling mechanisms, allowing the structure to be built by assembling discrete segments rather than constructing continuously, thereby reducing overall material consumption while achieving desired height.
Solution Approach 2:
Floor components are pre-assembled and prepared in advance as complete modular units before being installed in the elevator structure. This preliminary assembly allows for optimized material usage during construction, as components are pre-configured with all necessary elements including coupling mechanisms and structural elements, reducing on-site material requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual mounting of individual floors is performed, then flexibility in assembly is maintained, but the process becomes very time-consuming and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator structure is segmented into standardized modular floor units with uniform coupling interfaces. This segmentation enables automated assembly processes where pre-fabricated modules can be quickly stacked and connected using standardized coupling mechanisms, dramatically increasing construction speed while maintaining design flexibility through module configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms are designed with universal functionality to accommodate different floor configurations and heights. The standardized coupling system can connect various floor types and arrangements, providing assembly flexibility while enabling rapid automated construction through consistent connection protocols across all modules.
3Reliability
If complex guides and scaffolds are used for mounting, then safe positioning is achieved, but the construction process becomes more complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into self-aligning modular components with built-in guidance features. Each floor module includes integrated positioning elements that automatically align with corresponding features on adjacent modules, eliminating the need for complex external guides and scaffolds while maintaining safe and precise positioning throughout the construction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular floor components are designed with self-aligning and self-positioning capabilities through integrated coupling mechanisms and guidance features. The structure serves its own positioning needs through built-in alignment features, eliminating the requirement for complex external guiding systems and reducing overall construction system complexity while ensuring reliable positioning.
4Strength
If elevators are constructed floor by floor using traditional methods, then structural integrity is maintained, but long standstill times occur during construction
Solution Approach 1:
Floor components and coupling mechanisms are pre-assembled and structurally prepared in advance as complete modular units. This preliminary action allows for quality control and structural integrity verification before installation, enabling faster on-site assembly while maintaining structural standards, thereby reducing construction downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator construction is segmented into independent modular floors that can be prepared and installed in parallel. This segmentation allows multiple floors to be pre-assembled simultaneously in different locations, then quickly stacked together, maintaining structural integrity through standardized connections while dramatically reducing total construction time and standstill periods.
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
Enables quick, safe, and cost-effective construction of elevators with reduced material and labor requirements, minimizing safety risks and reducing downtime by using structurally simple means.
Implementation Method 1
raising an upper component of the elevator by way of the lifting device
Data Source
AI summary
With a view to a quick and safe construction of an elevator using structurally simple and cost-effective means, a method for constructing an elevator in particular, a freight elevator—on a construction site, and preferably in a factory hall. The elevator is built from several components arranged one atop the other. The method includes providing a base for the elevator; positioning a lifting device on the base; raising an upper component of the elevator by way of the lifting device; positioning a lower component, which is to be arranged underneath the upper component, under the raised upper component; lowering the upper component onto the lower component by way of the lifting device; and removing the lifting device from the base. Further specified is an elevator constructed according to said method.