Elevator history

One of the most practical and important technological inventions from the earliest examples to the most modern in the present time that gives us the ability to move quickly and easily between different floors of a building is a device called an elevator. Due to its important role in people's lives and its direct connection to the safety and lives of users and occupants, we will discuss the history of the elevator and its evolution from ancient times to the present day.

The Evolution of Elevators

1. The Earliest Elevators
The history of the elevator dates back thousands of years. In ancient times, before the birth of Christ, systems such as hoists were used to move people and objects in towers and tall buildings. These systems acted as cranes that made it possible to connect the ground to the upper parts of the towers.
These hoists were powered by human, animal, or water-powered systems, which were later replaced by the advancement of motor technology.
Archimedes is recognized as the first elevator maker in the earliest recorded reports in the Encyclopedia Britannica in the years before Christ. This device, which had the ability to move objects and loads through a pulley, was called a hoist.

2. Mechanical Elevators of the 17th Century
This device has gone through an evolutionary process with the advances in scientific and technical knowledge and the experiences of individuals. During the industrial era, with the emergence of mechanical elevators in the 17th century, the elevator industry took a new and advanced step.
The need for vertical transportation in tall buildings and castles led to the creation of this device. King Louis XV issued an order to build a passenger transport called the "flying chair" and in 1750, a device called the sliding stairs was built by François Dumont, which used mechanical and hydraulic systems. In 1793, the first elevator with a screw drive was built by Ivan Kulibin. We consider this period to be the beginning of the construction of passenger elevators.

3. Steam Elevators of the 19th and 20th Centuries
What is read from history is that humans had the ability to build tall structures, but the existence of many stairs became an obstacle. This problem was solved when steam engines and cable control systems were invented, and these types of elevators were formed. In 1853, Alexander Lef invented an elevator using a steam engine that allowed us to move to higher floors, resulting in taller buildings, increased load capacity, and higher speed. In 1854, American mechanic Elisha Otis introduced safety by using a safety wheel that would prevent falls when the rope broke, which was a precursor to the widespread use of elevators.
In the early 20th century, mechanical elevator technology improved and electronic control systems were developed. These advancements included:
 

In addition to the mentioned cases, new technologies such as cableless elevators, magnetic elevators, and solar elevators are also under development, which reduce energy consumption and increase their speed and performance. Until the 1990s, most elevator industry training was based on master and apprentice training in elevator factories, which is why training was limited and secretive. However, for the first time in 1995, the Elevator and Escalator Association of England, in collaboration with Professors Yanofsky and Gina Barney, began offering short-term training courses in the elevator industry, which were used by installers and specialists. After that, university courses in this industry were established at reputable universities at the associate and bachelor's degree levels.

The Evolution of Elevators in Iran

Elevators in Iran have a history of 80 years, which we will examine:

The use of elevators in Iran dates back to the 1920s. At that time, elevators were installed in public buildings such as hotels and banks in a limited manner. With the expansion of cities and the need for tall and multi-story buildings, the use of elevators in Iran increased. One of the first elevators, which is not found today, was in the Abadan Oil Refinery during the reign of Ahmad Shah Qajar. However, it is certain that during the Pahlavi era, elevators were installed in buildings such as around Imam Khomeini Square, the Officers' Club of the Army Staff, and the National Library by foreign experts and the first generations of elevator industry specialists in Iran.

In the 1940s, the elevator manufacturing and installation industry in Iran progressed, and foreign companies entered the market to create competition in this industry. The first elevators were produced by Otis Schindler.

In the 1960s, tall buildings increased in major cities, and the need for more elevators was felt, so domestic companies began their activities in the field of elevator manufacturing and installation. Initially, elevators were imported in packages from abroad, but later, the first workshop for the production of doors and cabins was established by Oksen Alexani.

In the 1980s and 1990s, due to the growth of urbanization, the use of elevators in Iran reached a significant level, to the point that domestic companies improved their capabilities and took over the elevator industry market. The first elevator factory in Iran, called Iran Schindler, was established under the license of Schindler Switzerland and at the same time, theoretical and practical courses were provided to technicians. After that, other companies also started operating in the elevator industry.

Recently, with the advancement of technology and the development of the construction industry in Iran, the design and construction of elevators have also been influenced in such a way that more modern, safer, and more efficient elevators have become important, and the direct effect of technologies such as digital control, touch screen displays, audio and video playback, internet connectivity, wireless technologies, etc., has been identified. Today, with the supervision of government agencies such as the Ministry of Industry and Mining, the National Standards Organization, and the Elevator Industry Union, strict supervision is exercised over elevator companies, and their licenses are reviewed and renewed at specified intervals.

Conclusion

The history of elevators shows that this invention has progressed significantly over time. From the initial hoisting systems to steam and mechanical elevators, and from electric elevators to modern elevators, this device has evolved from a simple means of transportation to one of the essential components of buildings. With advancements in technology, the future of elevators will be even more exciting. Owjlift, with over twenty years of experience and a license from the Ministry of Industry and Mining, offers successful and brilliant projects in the installation of various types of elevators and escalators, with free consultation available to you. For more information, contact Owjlift's experts.