CelticLift Innosuisse
Summary
Systems
EPFL, HE-ARC, Ascenseurs Menétrey SA
Vincent Bourquin
Skills directory
February 2017 - February 2019
Celtic CTI is an applied research project aiming at producing an elevator cabin with a significantly lighter structure (and thus a reduced carbon footprint) compared to standard elevators, while guaranteeing full compliance with safety norms and maximum comfort for both users and installation and maintenance technicians.
Project origins
The first contacts between the School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg and Ascenseurs Menetrey SA (a Romont-based family company specializing in elevator production and services) led to recognition of a strong potential for collaboration, notably regarding the possibility of lightening the structure of elevator cabins.
A student project was commissioned to investigate approaches to achieving the desired technical improvement. The student project, which ended up providing a basis for project Celtic, explored the development of a solid elevator cabin offering reliability, comfort, more space and reduced weight.
It was also determined that an anthropo-technological development process would ensure increased user comfort and better work conditions for installation and maintenance technicians, which might, in turn, extend the product’s lifecycle (due to reduced programmed obsolescence caused by the wish for change). However, it soon became apparent that the innovative design process would be made relatively complex by considering various elements simultaneously, including safety norms, assembly, fabrication, and the degree of quality perceived by users.
In the initial exploratory phase, prototype composite panels were produced by an artisan. This allowed Menétrey SA to evaluate the feasibility of their production at scale. Experts at the School of Engineering then performed vibration and acoustic measurements on the new composite panels as well as on traditional panels to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each solution.
A strong R&D network
A network consisting of Ascenseurs Menétrey SA, the EPFL, HE-ARC (Neuchâtel) and HEIA-FR was formed as part of a CTI project to develop the new cabin using composite materials. The team at HE-ARC concentrated on user-centered aspects and on the impact of the new technologies on assembly and fabrication. The EPFL team was tasked with designing the cabin and selecting the composite materials. The team at HEIA-FR integrated the results into a systemic approach to guarantee the coherence of modifications at the system level, including production and assembly. Other opportunities for enhancement were assessed, especially with regard to motorization.
The project’s launch was monitored by André Droux, founder of Hymexia and Cortexia and CTI mentor at the time. His influence on the definition and drafting of the project was decisive as was his support for the project within CTI.
Results
The result is a functional prototype that can be produced and brought to market by Menétrey SA. The project offers a great example of successful interdisciplinary collaboration grounded in a systemic approach. The project's success stems from a shared vision and the commitment of every team to converge on a concrete solution. A range of new possibilities offered by composite materials was explored while maintaining reasonable cost objectives and prioritizing the user experience. The project is also an example of the key role that a student project can play in the early stages of industrial projects.
Watch project videos:
Interview with Vincent Bourquin, Prof of HEIA-FR