Telescoping Elevator Door Assembly for Residential Space Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential elevators often have inferior door assemblies due to budget constraints and limited space, which compromises functionality and prevents the installation of superior telescoping door panels commonly found in commercial buildings.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping elevator door assembly using a ladder frame with identical roller tracks and a header beam, allowing three panels to stack and align minimally, reducing wall space requirements and facilitating easier installation in small home elevators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If telescoping door panels are installed to achieve superior functionality, then door assembly functionality is improved, but wall space requirements increase and installation becomes more difficult in small home elevators
Solution Approach 1:
The door panels are designed to nest within each other when retracted, with each panel containing the next smaller panel inside it. This nesting arrangement allows all panels to be stored in a compact configuration that minimizes wall space occupation, resolving the contradiction between providing superior telescoping door functionality and fitting within limited residential elevator wall spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The door panels utilize the depth dimension of the elevator shaft by extending along the shaft wall rather than occupying only the face wall space. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the telescoping mechanism to operate in the depth direction, minimizing the lateral wall space footprint while maintaining full telescoping functionality.
2Reliability
If telescoping door panels are installed to achieve superior functionality, then door assembly functionality is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into multiple independent telescoping panels, each with its own roller mechanism and track. This segmentation allows for modular installation where each panel can be installed and adjusted independently, reducing overall installation complexity compared to a single complex door unit while maintaining superior telescoping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Roller mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the door panels and the fixed track structure, simplifying the connection system. The rollers provide a straightforward mechanical interface that reduces installation complexity by eliminating complex hinge or sliding mechanisms while enabling smooth telescoping motion.
3Device complexity
If fewer door panels are used to reduce complexity, then installation becomes easier, but door assembly functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nested panel configuration allows multiple functional panels to be contained within a compact structure. Each panel provides independent coverage and can be positioned to seal the elevator opening effectively, maintaining superior door functionality while keeping the overall assembly manageable in terms of installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each door panel is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural element and as a sealing component. The panels can be independently positioned to provide varying degrees of opening coverage, allowing the system to achieve superior functionality with a moderate number of panels rather than requiring an excessive number of simpler panels.
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 solution enables the installation of a functionally superior elevator door assembly in residential elevators by minimizing space requirements and simplifying construction, while maintaining mechanical and cost economies.
Implementation Method 1
each also being substantially laterally co-extensive with each other roller carrying rung. Preferably, each roller carrying rung presents an upwardly crowned roller bearing surface for rolling receipt and tracking support of reverse crown rollers
Data Source
AI summary
A door assembly for an elevator having a cab having a cab entry, the elevator having an elevator shaft having upper and lower shaft entries, the assembly incorporating first, second, and third ladder frames having a plurality of roller carrying rungs and bolt and spacer sleeves spanning between the ladder frames' rungs, each ladder frame having proximal and distal ends, the first ladder frame overlying and extending outwardly from the elevator's cab entry, the second ladder frame overlying and extending inwardly from the elevator's upper entry, and the third ladder frame overlying and extending inwardly from the elevator's lower entry; the door assembly incorporating first, second, and third pluralities of rollable trolleys mounted upon the first, second, and third ladder frames' pluralities of roller carrying rungs; and the door assembly incorporating first, second, and third pluralities of door panels, suspending from the first, second, and third pluralities of rollable trolleys.