Feasibility of a systematically designed, human-powered elevator for carrying multiple passengers

Abstract

Existing methods of systematic design are considered and used as models for developing a more simplified method of systematic design for feasibility analysis. The modified method for systematic design is used to assess the concept of a human-powered elevator capable of lifting multiple passengers. The design task was subdivided into subfunctions, and various solutions were developed for each. The developed solutions were analyzed and ranked, and the higher scoring options were used to develop concept variants. An ideal concept variant was selected and designed in Solidworks software. The 3D model developed was physically functional within Solidworks and sufficiently detailed such that the identified subfunction solutions were visible and all critical dimensions were identified. The model was analyzed in Solidworks for functionality and approximate ascension time, then the design was numerically characterized in terms of required holding torque, user input torque, and approximate ascension time based on the developed design parameters and requirements. The results of the functionality study in Solidworks and the results of the numerical assessment both indicated that the average user should be able to power the elevator with minimal difficulty, and thus, the design was concluded to be feasible.