Reliability analysis of elevator car frame using analytical and finite element methods

The aim of this study is to determine the values of stress and deformation occurring on elevator car frame components with finite element and analytical methods. Two analytical approaches have been used to obtain the mechanical behaviours of elevator car frame components. Different design parameters have been used to show fluctuation of safety factors, stress and deformation values occurring on elevator car frame components. Optimisations of vertical and crosshead beams have been performed by the finite element method in order to attain optimum weight and stress reduction. It is found that the most critical component of elevator car frame is the crosshead beam when elevator is overloaded.Practical applications: This article presents the stress and deformation values on car frame components depending on the number of passengers for elevator designed for five passengers. Safety factors have been presented for car frame components separately when the elevator is overloaded. The allowable maximum load capacities of car frame components designed for five passengers have been presented.