The convenience and ease of taking an elevator up and down in a building are usually taken for granted. However, the elevator today is a marvel of modern technology.
Elevators Defying Gravity
Elevators possess the ability to carry thousands of pounds skyward in a matter of seconds, seamlessly defying gravity in the process.
Origins in Industrial Needs
The history of how today’s elevators came to be is rooted in the need to transport raw materials through vertical space or steep terrain. During the Industrial Revolution, workers needed a streamlined way to transport commodities such as coal and lumber down from hillsides. This need led to the development of antiquated steam-powered “elevators” used primarily to transport raw materials in bulk. This technology quickly became common in factories and mines.
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Evolution of Elevator Technology
As time progressed, different ways to power elevators began to take form. Belt-driven applications were developed and counterweights were added to give the elevators a surge of extra power.
Otis Elevator history: Elisha Otis’ Revolutionary Safety Mechanism
In 1852, Elisha Otis introduced the most innovative elevator system to date. What made Otis’ application stand out from all others was the fact that he had installed a safety mechanism (now commonly known as a “safety governor”) to stop the elevator from free-falling if the cables broke for any reason. Otis’ 1852 safety innovation is still used today, although it has been refined and perfected throughout time.
Modern Elevators: Ubiquitous and Essential
Today, elevators are the most widely used form of transportation with millions of different applications throughout the world.