The failure of elevator systems during earthquakes represents a critical vulnerability in the emergency response of high-rise buildings. The conventional operational mode, where mechanical and electrical subsystems function independently,is inadequate for addressing coupled failure risks under complex seismic loads. This study analyzes the seismic failure pathways of both elevator mechanical structures and electrical systems,elucidating the causes of typical malfunctions such as landing failures due to alarm delays and aggravated passenger entrapment caused by communication interruptions. To enhance the functional continuity of elevator systems under strong earthquakes,a framework integrating the following strategies is proposed:a mechanical-electrical state coupling response mechanism for real-time fault information exchange, an asymmetric magnitude response strategy to dynamically allocate functional weights between subsystems according to varying seismic intensities,and a cross-system safety closed-loop management model. The findings offer theoretical and practical insights for the seismic design of elevators in high-rise buildings.