The Fascinating World of Elevators: How They Work and Keep Us Safe

🏢Elevators revolutionized the way we build and live in cities, enabling the construction of tall buildings.

🔒Elisha Otis invented a safety mechanism in the 1850s that prevented elevators from freefalling and made them safer for people to ride.

📐Elevators have different designs, such as hydraulic elevators that lift using a cylinder and piston, and traction elevators that use cables and counterweights.

🚪Elevator doors have sensors and interlocks to ensure they open and close safely, preventing accidents while the elevator is in motion.

⚠️Elevators are equipped with safety features like emergency brakes, overspeed governors, and backup power systems to protect passengers during emergencies.

How do elevators work in really tall buildings?

—Tall buildings typically use traction elevators, which lift the cab using cables and counterweights controlled by an electric motor.

Are hydraulic elevators used in all buildings?

—Hydraulic elevators are common in smaller buildings with fewer floors, as they work by pushing the cab up using a cylinder and piston.

What happens if an elevator cable snaps?

—Elevator cables are designed with multiple strands, and even if one cable snaps, the remaining cables are strong enough to hold the weight of the fully-loaded elevator.

How do elevator doors ensure the safety of passengers?

—Elevator doors have sensors to detect obstructions and interlocks that prevent them from opening unless the cab is in the correct position, ensuring passenger safety.

Are elevators equipped with emergency systems?

—Yes, elevators have emergency brakes, overspeed governors that activate in case of a rapid descent, and backup power systems to ensure passenger safety during emergencies.

00:01Elevators revolutionized the way we build and live in cities, enabling the construction of tall buildings.

01:23In the 1850s, Elisha Otis invented a safety mechanism that prevented elevators from freefalling, making them safer for people to ride.

04:41There are different types of elevators, such as hydraulic elevators that use a cylinder and piston, and traction elevators that use cables and counterweights.

08:31Elevator doors have sensors and interlocks to ensure safe opening, closing, and movement while the elevator is in motion.

10:46Elevators are equipped with safety features like emergency brakes, overspeed governors, and backup power systems to protect passengers during emergencies.