The History of the Elevator

December 1, 2021

Today we view the elevator as an accessible staple of buildings and as more buildings go up, so do the number of elevators. But as you waited for the ding of elevator doors to open, ready to safely transport you to your destination, have you ever thought about how it came to be?

While an elevator ride may be short and at times mundane, its history is not. From transporting animals to the battleground that was the Colosseum in ancient Rome, to being the sought after “flying chair” of King Louis XV, the elevator brought magic to everyday people, hundreds of years ago.

So let’s go back to where the elevator first lifted off…

The Dawn of the Elevator

As far as we know, the first construction of an elevator dates to 236 B.C, where the Greek Mathematician Archimedes used a wooden platform or box drawn by hemp ropes through a vertical open shaft and would power it by men or animals operating a capstan. For centuries following this technology remained much the same.

Transport Fit For A King (or His Mistress)

However, the use of elevators as being only for building or heavy loads soon changed when King Louis XV of France commissioned a “flying chair” for one of his mistresses at the Palace of Versailles. Connecting his chambers to that of his mistress’ on the upper level, the chair was operated by pulling a cord with connected counterweights as a pulley.

As a result, this became the first known use of an elevator made specifically for passenger use. Furthermore, King Louis became an avid fan of this technology, later installing a “flying table”.

With the ring of a bell, a dining table with elaborate meals and all its accoutrements would rise from the kitchen below, allowing for the private guests to be served their meal without interruption from palace servants.

Popularity Going Up

As time passed, elevators began to take more of the form that we see today. With the dawn of the industrial revolution the invention of the steam engine became a major propeller in the evolution of elevators.

With a need for greater efficiency of moving supplies and workers, textile mill owner William Strutt used a steam-powered, belt-driven device which used a counterweight system to raise and lower a “cradle” between floors. Though the design continued to be refined over the next thirty years, it was later published and circulated throughout England and America.

Safety First

The next major advancement in elevators came in 1853 when American inventor Elisha Otis first demonstrated a new safety device. “Improvement in Hoisting Apparatus Elevator Brake”, also known as an elevator brake, could be equipped to the elevator to stop it from falling.

Showcasing this by hoisting the elevator cab to the top of the building and deliberately cutting the cables, and instead of crashing down, the cab simply stayed in place. This addition is what made the skyscrapers of today’s cities possible.

Otis and The Otis Elevator Company quickly began putting the invention to work, and after installing a steam-powered elevator in the department store, E.W. Haughtwhat & Company of Manhattan, the first ever passenger elevator became operational.

A Vertical World

In the late 19th century, electric elevators became more common. In 1880 the first one was built by the German Inventor, Werner von Siemens. Despite its modern-day success, the invention wasn’t patented for another seven years when inventor Alexander Miles filed for it on October 11th, 1887. In it, he included his innovation in a mechanism to open and close elevator doors, which greatly improved elevator safety.

Over the next century, the elevator became increasingly accepted by a sceptical society. Thanks to avant-garde architects like Emery Roth, who designed now iconic New York residential buildings, the penthouse on the top floor of the building became the pinnacle of fashion. Ushering into popular use, the elevator is now many people’s most preferred method of vertical travel.

AVT Beckett and the Next Generation of Elevator Technology

The next generation of elevators is here and AVT Beckett is at the forefront of it. Reach out today for a quote.

A Comprehensive Guide to Elevator Door Types

February 12, 2021

Elevator doors are one of the hardest working parts of your elevator. Did you know the average elevator opens and closes 200,000 times per year?

Every time the elevator stops at a floor, the elevator entrance and door need to open and close efficiently, smoothly and safely. In fact, over 70% of all elevator trouble calls are related to the door operation.

Beyond their essential functionality, they play a key aesthetic design role since elevator entrances are the first thing your passengers see when they get to your elevators in the hallway.

So how do you decide on the perfect elevator door type that combines function, design and safety for your building?

This guide will walk you through the different elevator door types, their key features and what to consider when picking your elevator entrances.

The History of Elevator Doors

The modern elevator door is the product of approximately 75 years of refinement and fine-tuning. They’re now expected in most buildings as they provide a sense of safety and efficiency for passengers.

During the 19th-century, elevator doors included both the doors and inside gates. Manual doors were operated by the guests in the elevator.

Today, automatic doors offer more features including obstacle detection, pressure, traffic and motion sensors, speed controls, live-feed cameras and more. They provide you with an elegant and future-proof movement and are safe and secure.

How Elevator Doors Work

Elevator doors are some of the busiest parts of the elevator. Every time an elevator stops at a floor, a car door and hatch door need to open and close efficiently. But, more happens behind closed doors that we don’t see.

An electric impulse is sent from the elevator controller (the brain behind the elevator) that causes the doors to open and close when the car is safely at the floor. All elevator door operation is mechanical.

Elevators use two different sets of doors: doors on the cars and doors opening into the elevator shaft. The doors on the cars are operated by an electric motor, which is hooked up to the elevator controller.

The electric motor turns a wheel, which is attached to a long metal arm. The metal arm is linked to another arm, which is attached to the door. The door can slide back and forth on a metal rail.

Alternatively, a linear drive that can be used which is driven by a belt. This streamlines and simplifies installation by integrating the operator on the header.

Since there are dozens of moving parts that make up elevator doors, routine maintenance is the key to keeping them in good shape.

Elevator Door Configurations

There are many design and structural elements that go into elevator entrances and doors. Door orientation options offer a range of benefits depending what your building needs.

Below is a breakdown of elevator door configurations:

Single-speed

Most economical
Minimal moving parts
Single-slide entrances, either on left or right of the elevator
Slide door needs twice its width to open fully

2-speed

Faster opening speeds and wider opening
Two doors slide in the same direction, one moving faster than the other
Space-efficient option since it requires roughly 1.5x the space that the total door width takes up

Single-speed center opening

Use two door panels, but with single-speed.
Doors open from the center
Door panels travel to and from the midpoint of the opening

2-speed center opening

Faster opening and closing cycles compared to the single-speed center opening
Saves boarding time for guests
Door panels travel to and from the midpoint of the opening

Different Elevator Door Types

Choosing the perfect elevator doors requires expert understanding of the building and the purpose of your elevator. From there, you can decide which doors will suit yours and the users’ needs.

1. Side Sliding

Automatic sliding doors offer a smooth open and close for easy access by opening towards the right or left. It’s one of the most common elevator door types in North America. This type of elevator door is highly efficient operation-wise.

Best installed in: Side sliding elevator doors are the most common and can be installed in any passenger elevator that can accommodate them. They can be found in most places including parking lots, older residential buildings, small businesses and more.

2. Center parting

Center parting elevator doors are another wide-spread type of entrance. They incorporate two or more door panels that work together to protect a hoistway opening. Unlike side sliding doors, center-parting entrance door panels move in opposite directions from each other. These types of elevator doors employ faster door-open-and-close cycles. The door panels only travel to and from the midpoint of the opening, which saves boarding time for passengers.

Best installed in: Center parting 2 speed doors are best installed in high-traffic high-rises like offices and condos.

Elevator Entrance and Door Frame Styles

Other than the main entryway, the most important doorways are elevator entrances and doors frames found in the lobby. These areas have some of the highest foot traffic in buildings, so make it count.

When it comes to choosing elevator entrances and door frame styles, you have a few options to pick from:

1. Glass

Glass elevator entrances most commonly come in full or partial glass (with or without a frame). Glass doors are useful for security purposes and can help prevent crime and vandalism. You can typically find them in hotels, shopping malls, subway stations, airports and more.

2. Decorative stainless steel

Decorative stainless steel entrances come in a variety of textures and patterns. If you decide to go with this option, you can get your logo custom-etched on the front of your elevator door. Many retail spaces and office buildings do this to promote their company.

3. Plain stainless steel

Stainless steel options are a great way to carry a design across a building or property. You can also use elevator skins that come in different materials, finishes and patterns for your stainless steel doors.

Choosing the Right Elevator Door Type

Picking the right elevator entrance and door is essential for building cohesion and the passenger journey. There are a few things to consider before choosing one right off the bat.

Since the beginning of elevators, safety has always been the number one priority. If you’re in need of new doors due to previous damage, that’s a good place to start. Keep in mind that your elevators doors will need to be the same size and type as the ones you’re replacing.

Next, consider the purpose of your building and how much foot traffic it gets, its aesthetic and space. With this information, you can determine what type of elevator doors you need. It’s important to consider your elevator’s environment because first impressions are key in maintaining future business.

About AVT Beckett Elevator Doors and Entrances

At AVT Beckett, our wide range of elevator components and products includes both stock and custom elevator doors and entrances. All our entrances and hoistway doors are UL 1 ½ hour fire rated. Not only do we offer standard finishes as well as custom etched designs and non-standard sizes, but we lead the industry in fast installation times. Our no tape-measure required (NTR) entrances can be assembled in under 8 minutes.

If you need specific elevator door solutions for your building, AVT Beckett has the expertise and quality you can depend on. As a leading elevator manufacturer and supplier, AVT Beckett can supply your entrance or doors.

Choosing the perfect elevator system requires expert understanding of the building structure and intended elevator usage. Accessing needs and discussing your options with elevator experts are the first steps to finding out which systems will work best for you.

If you need an elevator solution for your building, AVT Beckett has expertise and quality you can depend on. As a leading elevator manufacturer and supplier, AVT Beckett can find the right elevator for your unique scenario.

Category: Elevator Components