Modular Stairwell and Elevator Shaft Prefabrication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional stairwell and elevator shaft construction methods are time-consuming, require skilled tradespeople, and necessitate safety harnesses for personnel, increasing labor costs and reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A prefabricated modular stairwell and elevator shaft system comprising side panels with elevator and stairwell components, end panels, and elevator shaft panels that can be assembled and installed efficiently, reducing on-site construction time and labor requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional stairwell and elevator shaft construction methods are used, then structural integrity and safety compliance are maintained, but construction time increases and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stairwell and elevator shaft are divided into modular panels that can be pre-assembled and then installed on-site. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and connection points, allowing for rapid assembly while maintaining structural integrity through standardized joint designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Stairwell and elevator shaft panels are pre-assembled in a controlled manufacturing environment before being transported to the construction site. This preliminary assembly includes pre-installing handrails, stairs, elevator doors, and safety components, eliminating time-consuming on-site assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional construction methods are used, then comprehensive safety coverage is provided, but safety harness requirements increase labor costs and reduce time efficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkplace safetyVSAvoidtime efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

All safety-critical components including handrails, stair components, and elevator door assemblies are pre-installed and pre-inspected in the controlled manufacturing environment. This preliminary action ensures safety compliance is achieved before on-site installation, reducing or eliminating the need for safety harnesses during construction while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional construction methods are used, then installation flexibility is maintained, but skilled tradespeople and specialized equipment are required increasing labor costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidspecialized equipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into standardized panels with uniform connection interfaces that can be installed using simple mechanical fastening methods. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex specialized equipment while maintaining installation flexibility, as each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular panels are designed with universal connection mechanisms that can accommodate different installation scenarios and building types. The standardized interfaces and multi-functional panel designs allow for adaptable installation across various applications without requiring specialized tradespeople or equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12297076B2Modular stairwell and elevator shaft system and method
Publication Date: 2025.05.13 INNOVATIVE BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US12297076B2 patent drawing
  • US12297076B2 patent drawing
  • US12297076B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A prefabricated modular stairwell and elevator shaft system is described. The system can include an end panel, a first side panel, a second elevator shaft panel, a second side panel, and a first elevator shaft panel. The prefabricated modular stairwell and elevator shaft system can also include stairwell components (including one or more treads, one or more landings, and one or more handrails), one or more counterweight rails, one or more counterweight brackets, a stairwell door, and a stairwell door frame.