Otis Elevator case study

Problem

Otis Elevator needed a strong, lightweight, durable, portable platform to support the installation of a new elevator. Driving the design were the weight requirements for the installer and associated tools and the portability of the equipment. In addition, it was necessary that this product go into production quickly to support the rolling out of a new line of elevators while meeting stringent cost targets.

Solution

DBA developed concepts, produced design alternatives, analyzed the most promising designs, completed engineering drawings, and produced a working prototype. In addition, DBA furnished a bill of materials and estimated the production cost of the design alternatives. Acceptance of DBA's prototype depended on delivery within the required time period and budget, Otis qualification testing and satisfaction of all safety, field and manufacturing requirements.

Results

Within six weeks, DBA's platform was installed in an Otis test tower hoistway and tested. It met all of the requirements, including strength, weight, number of parts, ease of assembly and disassembly and assembly time. DBA's contribution was a product that could be introduced into production and shipped around the world to support installation of a new, improved line of elevators.

Portable, lightweight, elevator platform for Otis Elevator Company

"This product was just what our field engineers had been asking for. DBA showed that the design was feasible by analysis, and proved it by building a functional prototype platform. The prototype demonstrated some unique features not thought of before. The design was also low cost, as well as lightweight."

-- Ray Mancini, VP of Engineering, Otis Elevator Company