Rolling Elevator Cabin Ceiling for Safe Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator maintenance methods require access above the cabin ceiling, posing safety risks and requiring special preparation and space, while solutions involving removal of ceiling parts are cumbersome and space-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A rolling ceiling system that moves on guides and wraps around an axis, allowing the false ceiling to open, providing safe and efficient access for maintenance without altering the cabin's aesthetics or requiring extensive space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If maintenance is carried out from above the cabin ceiling, then maintenance access is obtained, but safety risks increase and special preparation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of accessing the cabin from above the ceiling (conventional method), the invention inverts the approach by providing maintenance access from inside the cabin through a removable false ceiling, eliminating the need for workers to position themselves above the cabin where safety risks exist

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the false ceiling and ceiling are removed for maintenance, then access is provided, but the process becomes cumbersome and space-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidconstruction process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling system is segmented into a false ceiling (access panel) and a main ceiling structure. The false ceiling is designed as a separate, removable component that provides maintenance access without requiring removal of the entire ceiling assembly, simplifying the construction and maintenance process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If ceiling parts are removed for maintenance, then access is obtained, but extensive space in the shaft is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidshaft space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The false ceiling is extracted as a separate access mechanism from the main ceiling structure. This extracted component can be removed and stored in a compact manner within the cabin or shaft space, minimizing the volume required compared to traditional ceiling removal methods that require large clearance spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4549358A1Rolling ceiling of elevator cabin

Publication Date: 2025.05.07 KLEEMANN HELLAS SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

This invention refers to a rolling ceiling of a cabin (1) which allows it to be opened and closed in order to facilitate access for maintenance purposes. Specifically, the rolling ceiling (4) is located above a false ceiling (2) and during the opening it wraps like a roll, moving on two guides (5a), (5b) and rotating around an axis (6). This invention offers a simple, reliable and efficient solution to facilitate elevator maintenance.