Staged Hoistway Lifting for Machine-Room-Less Elevator Traction Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of machine-room-less elevator traction machines is difficult due to limited space and operational risks, making traditional methods inefficient and unsafe.

Innovation Solution

An elevator traction machine installation apparatus and method utilizing a lifting mechanism and support mechanism that allows staged lifting and securing of the traction machine within the elevator hoistway, using a scissor lifting mechanism and support components to align with the installation position, ensuring safe and efficient installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional installation methods are used for machine-room-less elevator traction machines, then the installation can be completed with simple equipment, but the limited hoistway space and heavy machine weight make the process unsafe and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation safetyVSAvoidinstallation equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation apparatus is divided into multiple functional modules: a lifting mechanism with base portion and load-bearing portion, a support mechanism with multiple positioning positions, and a transfer mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability and safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The installation apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the hoistway structure and the heavy traction machine. It provides a controlled interface for lifting, positioning, and transferring the machine, eliminating the need for manual handling by construction workers and thereby improving safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the traction machine is lifted in a single operation, then the installation process is faster, but the heavy weight creates operational risks for limited construction workers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidoperational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting process is segmented into multiple controlled stages using the support mechanism's first and second positions. The base portion is initially secured at the first position for stable lifting, then repositioned to the second position for final alignment. This staged approach maintains safety while achieving installation goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support mechanism is pre-configured with multiple secured positions before the lifting operation begins. This preliminary preparation allows the lifting mechanism to operate in controlled stages without requiring worker intervention during critical lifting phases, improving both safety and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Length of stationary object

If the hoistway space is reduced to meet building height requirements, then the building cost is reduced, but the installation space becomes insufficient for traditional installation methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuilding heightVSAvoidinstallation feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The installation apparatus utilizes the vertical dimension effectively by implementing staged lifting with the base portion secured at different vertical positions (first and second positions). This vertical staging allows the heavy machine to be lifted in controlled increments within the limited hoistway space, making installation feasible in compact buildings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus serves as an intermediary system that bridges the gap between limited hoistway space and the requirements for safe heavy machine handling. It provides the necessary operational space and control mechanisms within the constrained environment, enabling installation where traditional methods would fail

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If manual handling methods are used for the heavy traction machine, then equipment complexity is reduced, but labor intensity and operational risks increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation equipment simplicityVSAvoidlabor efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting mechanism is designed to be substantially self-service during operation. Once the base portion is secured at the appropriate position and the machine is placed on the load-bearing portion, the system can autonomously perform the lifting and positioning operations without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby improving labor efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus and method simplify and expedite the installation process, reducing labor hours by up to 60% and lowering costs while enhancing safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a lifting mechanism having a base portion and a load-bearing portion adapted to place an elevator traction machine, wherein the base portion and the load-bearing portion are connected and configured to be capable of rising and lowering relative to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4414310B1Elevator traction machine installation apparatus and elevator traction machine installation method
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP4414310B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4414310B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4414310B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An elevator traction machine installation apparatus and an elevator traction machine installation method are disclosed. The elevator traction machine installation apparatus comprises: a lifting mechanism having a base portion and a load-bearing portion adapted to place an elevator traction machine, wherein the base and load-bearing portions are connected and can rise and lower relative to each other in a longitudinal direction of an elevator hoistway; and a support mechanism configured to be detachably connected with the lifting mechanism and a base for installation of a machine-room-less elevator traction machine in the elevator hoistway to support the lifting mechanism and the elevator traction machine, and having at least two positions at which the base portion is secured, wherein a first position is lower than a second position in the longitudinal direction, and the load-bearing portion is lifted relative to the base portion after the base portion is secured at the first position, and continues to be lifted relative to the base portion after the base portion is adjusted and secured at the second position, until the load-bearing portion is substantially flush with an elevator traction machine installation position on the base in the longitudinal direction, to allow the elevator traction machine to be moved from the load-bearing portion to the elevator traction machine installation position.