Segmented Elevator Car Frame Assembly for Hoistway Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of multi-deck elevator cars in high-rise systems is cumbersome and costly, as the hoistway often needs to be constructed around the car, making it difficult to efficiently and economically assemble the car frame within the hoistway.
Innovation Solution
The use of a car frame with segmented side frames connected via a splice joint and tubular support members, which allows for alignment and adjustment features to facilitate easier assembly, enabling the use of thinner upright members and reducing shear loading on fasteners, thus simplifying the installation process and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multi-deck elevator cars are installed in high-rise systems, then the volume of passengers that may be conveyed is increased, but the installation becomes cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The car frame is divided into multiple segments including side frame segments and end frame segments that can be assembled separately and then connected together using splice joints and alignment features, enabling modular installation that simplifies the installation process while maintaining the capacity for multi-deck passenger compartments
2Strength
If the hoistway is constructed around the elevator car after placement, then the car frame structure is compromised, but construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The car frame segments are pre-assembled with alignment features and connection mechanisms before installation into the hoistway, allowing the frame to be constructed to full strength specifications prior to placement, eliminating the need to compromise structural integrity during later hoistway construction
3Weight of stationary object
If upright members are made thinner to reduce weight, then the structural integrity is reduced, but the overall weight of the elevator car increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upright members are divided into multiple segments connected by splice joints with fasteners and tubular support members, allowing the use of thinner individual segments that are easier to handle and install, while the segmented construction with connection elements maintains the overall structural strength and load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The splice joint assembly combines multiple materials and components including fasteners, tubular support members, and alignment features that work together to provide structural reinforcement, enabling the use of thinner upright member materials while maintaining overall frame strength
4Loss of time
If segmented assembly is used to simplify installation, then the assembly process becomes more complex, but installation time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The car frame is segmented into modular sections with standardized connection interfaces, allowing pre-fabrication and off-site assembly of components that can be quickly installed in the hoistway, reducing on-site installation time despite the increased complexity of the segmented design
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features include adjustment mechanisms that allow for parameter changes in position and orientation during installation, accommodating variations in hoistway dimensions and facilitating quicker alignment and assembly without requiring precise pre-matching of all dimensional parameters
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator car of an elevator system includes a car body and a car frame supportive of the car body. The car frame includes two opposing side frames, each side frame formed from a plurality of side frame segments, including two upright members and one or more upright braces connecting the two upright members, adjacent side frame segments secured to each other via a joint. A method of installation of an elevator car of an elevator system includes positioning a first side frame segment of a plurality of side frame segments adjacent to second side frame segment of the plurality of side frame segments, and securing the first side frame segment to the second side frame segment via a splice joint thereby constructing a car frame of the elevator car. One or more car bodies are installed into the car frame.