Modular Mast Elevator Assembly for High-Rise Emergency Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional means for accessing heights above 64 meters on a building during emergencies, such as fires, require external lifts affixed to the building, which are not feasible without pre-existing infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising an elevator platform, rail segment modules, a base structure, and a rail segment stacking system, allowing for the on-site assembly of a mast stack with contiguous elevator rails parallel to the elevator transport axis, enabling the elevator platform to be transported along this stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If external lifts are affixed to the building for emergency access above 64 meters, then access to heights is improved, but the requirement for pre-existing infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external lift system is divided into modular segments that can be assembled in sections. Each segment contains standardized components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled on-site, eliminating the need for pre-installed infrastructure while maintaining the ability to reach heights above 64 meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift system transitions from a static pre-installed structure to a dynamic, deployable system. The modular segments can be assembled, configured, and deployed as needed, providing adaptability to different building types and emergency scenarios without requiring permanent infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular rail segments are assembled on-site to form mast stack, then adaptability to various building structures is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular rail segments are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow them to be assembled on various building structures regardless of material or design. This universality simplifies the assembly process by providing consistent connection methods across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail segments are pre-assembled into standardized modules with pre-configured connection points and alignment features before being transported to the site. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site assembly complexity by eliminating the need for complex field adjustments or custom fabrication.
3Device complexity
If conventional fireman's ladders are used for access up to 64 meters, then simplicity of equipment is maintained, but access height is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system uses segmented modular components that can be stacked to achieve heights exceeding 64 meters. Each segment remains relatively simple in design, allowing the overall system to maintain simplicity while extending the accessible height through systematic repetition of basic units.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit provides an elevator system defining an elevator transport axis with respect to an exposed vertical face of a vertical structure. The kit includes an elevator platform, rail segment modules having elevator rail element(s), a base structure and a rail segment stacking system. The rail segment modules can be serially stacked contiguously via the rail segment stacking system to provide a mast stack, forming contiguous vertical elevator rail(s) parallel to the elevator transport axis. The elevator platform can be transported along the mast stack via the vertical elevator rail. The base structure has a module receiving station which receives from a rail segment module source each rail segment module in turn, and feeds each one to the rail segment stacking system, allowing on-site coupling and bottom-to-top stacking of the fed rail segment modules, providing a progressively elongating mast stack, and transporting the progressively elongating mast stack vertically and progressively further away from the ground after each rail segment module is stacked thereto.