Thermoplastic Elevator Cab Structure for Load Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator cars are costly to manufacture, difficult to recycle, and lack effective load absorption and dissipation capabilities, primarily due to their metallic construction.
Innovation Solution
The elevator car is constructed with at least 85% thermoplastic material for the wall sections, incorporating load transfer elements and a plastic structure that absorbs and transfers loads, using metallic connecting elements and load-dissipating elements for efficient force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If elevator cars are constructed using metallic materials, then structural strength and load-bearing capacity are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic to thermoplastic composite materials, achieving a balance between structural strength requirements and manufacturing cost reduction. The thermoplastic materials with fiber reinforcement provide sufficient load-bearing capacity while enabling more economical manufacturing processes and improved recyclability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of thermoplastic matrices reinforced with fibers (such as glass, carbon, or natural fibers). This composite structure provides the necessary mechanical strength and stiffness to replace traditional metallic construction, while simultaneously reducing manufacturing costs and improving environmental sustainability through recyclability.
2Ease of manufacture
If fiber-reinforced plastics are used for elevator components, then manufacturing cost and recyclability are improved, but load absorption and dissipation capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite materials that combine the cost-effectiveness and recyclability of plastics with the load-bearing capabilities provided by the fiber reinforcement. The fiber orientation, density, and distribution are optimized to ensure adequate load absorption and dissipation while maintaining economic and environmental advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material compositions and fiber reinforcement patterns in different regions of the elevator car structure based on local load requirements. High-stress areas receive enhanced fiber reinforcement to ensure adequate load absorption, while less critical areas use more cost-effective material formulations, optimizing both performance and manufacturing cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic materials are used for wall sections, then manufacturing cost and recyclability are improved, but structural robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermoplastic composite materials with fiber reinforcement for the wall sections, providing both the manufacturing cost benefits and recyclability of thermoplastics while maintaining structural robustness through the reinforcing fiber network. The composite structure achieves the necessary strength-to-weight ratio and structural integrity for elevator car applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
Elevator car for transporting persons and goods, comprising multiple wall sections, in particular a car floor, at least three side walls, and a car ceiling, and with at least one door opening. The car floor, the car ceiling, and at least one side wall are made of at least one thermoplastic material. The car ceiling and/or at least one side wall and/or the car floor is/are connected to a conveying and/or safety gear of the car via at least one load transfer element for load transfer.