Prefabricated Elevator Shaft Elements for Rapid Assembly and Dismantling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction and demolition of traditional elevator shafts and elevators are time-consuming and burdensome processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of prefabricated elevator shaft elements, particularly constructed from shipping containers, which can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for rapid construction and demolition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional concrete pouring and construction methods are used for elevator shafts, then the structural strength and stability are ensured, but the construction time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator shaft is divided into multiple modular elements that can be manufactured separately and assembled quickly on-site. Each module contains standardized components (guides, buffers, door openings) that can be pre-fabricated and then stacked vertically to form the complete shaft structure, dramatically reducing construction time and complexity compared to traditional monolithic concrete pouring.
Solution Approach 2:
Critical components such as elevator car guides, safety buffers, and door openings are pre-installed on the modular elements during manufacturing before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site installation work and ensures precise positioning, thereby improving construction productivity while maintaining structural integrity.
2Productivity
If traditional elevator shaft construction is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the demolition process becomes burdensome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The modular elements are designed with reversible connection mechanisms that allow the shaft to be easily disassembled and reconfigured. The standardized interfaces and detachable joints enable quick dismantling without damaging the structural integrity of individual modules, making demolition as efficient as assembly while maintaining strength during service.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows individual elements to be removed, recovered, and reused in other applications. Rather than demolishing the entire shaft structure, specific modules can be extracted and redeployed, reducing demolition waste and enabling resource recovery while maintaining the strength of remaining structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If shipping containers are used as frame modules, then the availability and structural strength are improved, but the adaptation to specific elevator requirements needs modification
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining the standardized shipping container structure for the majority of the shaft, localized modifications are made only where elevator-specific requirements exist (door openings, guide rail attachments, buffer installations). This approach preserves the manufacturing advantages of standardized containers while adapting only the necessary local areas to meet specific elevator specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The shipping container-based modules are designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, guidance system mounting, safety device installation, and access point provision. By making each module multi-functional, the design reduces the need for specialized custom components while meeting all elevator-specific requirements through intelligent utilization of the standardized container structure.
Data Source
Figure 1a~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8a~8c
AI summary
An elevator shaft element (1), an elevator arrangement and a method. The elevator shaft element comprises a frame module (2) arranged for receiving an elevator car (3) therein. The frame module (2) is constructed from a transport and/or storage unit (4), comprising side walls (5), a bottom wall (6) and a roof wall (7). The unit (4) is arranged to be positioned vertically such that said side walls (5), bottom wall (6) and upper wall (7) of the unit (4) define an inner space (8) of the elevator shaft. Elevator car guides (9) for guiding movement of the elevator car (3) in the elevator shaft element (1) are attached to said bottom (6) wall and/or roof wall (7).