A solution which combines TVC Ethos with laser-levelling technology was designed to control this distinctive lift. Despite a highly aesthetic and visually attractive design, the lift still offers all the normal compliance, control, and functionality expected from a modern retail lift installation. LiftStore was involved in the project by Apex Lifts, part of a team of contractors and suppliers selected by Apple to design, construct and install an iconic glass hydraulic lift in the Regent Street store. Gary Poynter, Construction Director of Apex Lifts, explains: “The project required that the lift be as minimalist as possible, in fact appearing to be a glass box travelling without rails or cables within a glass lift shaft. We needed a lift control system with none of the usual shaft limit switches, lift position hardware, or car top control, which still complied with current European lift regulation EN81 part 2. The lift position system also had to be practically invisible, and have no moving parts.”

LiftStore wasted no time in coming up with an innovative solution which leveraged its experience of lasers in lift car positioning, combined with the powerful Ethos lift controller. The system uses a laser to measure the exact distance of the lift from the base of the shaft, which means no mechanical parts need to be present in the lift shaft. It also removed the need for the usual seven limit switches. The system works by aiming a class 2 laser vertically upwards from under the pit floor, to a target on the underside of the lift car. As the lift moves, the distance is simultaneously transmitted to the Ethos controller which instantly processes the information and uses it as a prompt to slow and stop the lift car, to an accuracy of one millimetre. Only the top final limit mechanical switch is retained. A second laser mounted in the car is aimed horizontally at small reflective targets in the shaft to provide door-zone position signals. This setup allows the Ethos controller to ensure safe door operation.

The car top control unit, used for the safe control of the lift from the car roof, was specially manufactured to be removable, with a safety rated plug and socket. Eamonn Reid continues: “After a smooth and straightforward installation process, we attended the final commissioning of the control system with Apex, where Ethos’ built-in shaft-learn facility was used to complete the set up quickly and effortlessly. The control system has performed faultlessly since the day it was installed, and the lift is a real a focal point for visitors to the Apple store.”

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