Aufzügen

Aufzügen, also known as elevators or lifts, are vertical transportation devices used to move people or goods between different floors of a building. They typically consist of a car or platform that travels within a shaft, guided by rails. The movement is powered by an electric motor, which, in the case of traction elevators, uses a system of ropes and counterweights to lift and lower the car. Hydraulic elevators, on the other hand, use a piston and cylinder system filled with fluid to raise the car.

Modern elevators are equipped with numerous safety features, including door interlocks that prevent operation when doors are open, emergency brakes that engage if the car overspeeds or the ropes fail, and speed governors that trigger these brakes. They are a fundamental component of multi-story buildings, significantly improving accessibility and efficiency for occupants. The development of the elevator, particularly the safety brake invented by Elisha Otis, revolutionized architecture and allowed for the construction of much taller buildings. Elevator technology continues to evolve with advancements in control systems, energy efficiency, and smart features.