Prefabricated Elevator Hoistway Modules for Rapid Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional elevator construction methods are time-consuming and complex, and modular solutions are not cost-efficient due to the need for sturdy hoistway beam frames that consume space and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A method involving prefabricated hoistway modules with a lightweight frame, allowing for quick installation and efficient space utilization, featuring a counterweighted machine-roomless elevator design with a machinery support structure mounted on guide rail sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If modular elevator solutions with sturdy hoistway beam frames are used, then installation speed is improved, but space consumption and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hoistway is divided into multiple prefabricated modules that can be assembled quickly on-site. Each module contains integrated components (guide rails, beams, panels) that are pre-positioned during manufacturing, eliminating the need for heavy standalone beam frames and reducing overall space consumption while maintaining fast installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional components (hoistway beams, guide rails, structural frames) are merged into integrated prefabricated modules. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate sturdy beam frames, reducing material usage and space consumption while maintaining structural integrity and installation speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If modular elevator solutions with sturdy hoistway beam frames are used, then installation speed is improved, but material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidmaterial costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If conventional elevator construction methods are used, then material costs are reduced, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial costsVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Hoistway components including guide rails and structural elements are pre-assembled into complete modules at the factory before delivery to the construction site. This preliminary action performs complex assembly work in advance, reducing on-site installation time and complexity while the modular design keeps material costs comparable to conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If conventional elevator construction methods are used, then material costs are reduced, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial costsVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12448249B2Method for constructing elevator and such elevator

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 KONE OYJ

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for constructing an elevator, comprising piling plurality of prefabricated modules on top of each other, such that the hoistway spaces of the prefabricated modules are vertically aligned forming a continuous vertically elongated hoistway where the elevator car and the counterweight can be fitted to move; and arranging the elevator car and the counterweight to be vertically movable in the hoistway. The plurality of prefabricated hoistway modules comprise a prefabricated top module comprising a machinery for driving a hoisting roping, and the prefabricated top module comprises one or more car guide rail sections and one or more counterweight guide rail sections, wherein the machinery for driving a hoisting roping is mounted on a support structure, which is mounted on plurality of said guide rail sections of the prefabricated top module. The invention also relates to an elevator obtained with the method.