Universal Elevator Inner-Frame Load Support for Shaft Retrofits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems are limited to specific types of elevator shafts, often requiring significant structural modifications and increased material usage, which is inefficient and costly, especially when retrofitting existing buildings.
Innovation Solution
A compact elevator design that includes an outer frame and an inner frame, where the inner frame supports the weight of the car and drive unit, allowing the outer frame to be lightweight and provide stability without bearing the full load, thus reducing material usage and enabling flexibility in shaft types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a typical elevator shaft with concrete construction is used, then structural strength and stability are ensured, but material usage and construction costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator system is divided into two functional parts: the outer frame (shaft structure) and the inner frame (load-bearing structure). The inner frame assumes the function of supporting the car weight and drive unit, while the outer frame provides only structural enclosure and stability. This segmentation allows the outer frame to be constructed from lightweight materials rather than heavy concrete, resolving the contradiction between strength and material quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner frame acts as an intermediary load-bearing structure between the elevator car and the outer frame. By introducing this intermediate element, the outer frame is relieved of its load-bearing function, allowing it to be made from lightweight materials while still providing the necessary structural support through the inner frame.
2Quantity of substance
If the outer frame is made lightweight, then material usage and costs are reduced, but the frame's ability to support heavy loads decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from the outer frame and assigned to the inner frame. The outer frame's function is limited to providing structural enclosure and positional stability, while the inner frame专门 handles load-bearing. This functional segmentation allows the outer frame to be lightweight without compromising overall load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner frame serves as a mediator that transfers all loads from the elevator car and drive unit to the outer frame. This intermediary structure enables the outer frame to be constructed from lightweight materials while still supporting heavy loads through the inner frame's load-bearing design.
3Manufacturing precision
If the elevator is designed for specific shaft types, then installation precision is improved, but adaptability to different shaft types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer frame is designed as a universal structural enclosure that can accommodate different shaft types (concrete, glass, aluminum, prefabricated, or retrofitted shafts). The separation of load-bearing functions to the inner frame allows the outer frame to be adaptable to various shaft configurations without compromising installation precision, as the inner frame ensures proper positioning and support regardless of shaft type.
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger elevator, in particular, a passenger elevator, comprises a car, an inner frame, and an outer frame, wherein the outer frame encloses an elevator shaft and comprises a base plate, a first lateral surface, a second lateral surface lying opposite the first lateral surface, a third lateral surface, and a fourth lateral surface lying opposite the third lateral surface, wherein the inner frame comprises at least one first guide post and a second guide post lying opposite the first guide post, characterized in that the inner frame supports the weight of the car.