Adaptive Delay Control for People Mover Speed Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing people mover systems, such as escalators and travelators, experience unnecessary speed changes and prolonged operation during varying usage periods, leading to reduced service life, increased energy consumption, and frequent servicing needs, due to fixed delay times that do not adapt to changing passenger traffic patterns.
Innovation Solution
A control arrangement that dynamically adjusts the delay time based on real-time passenger detection, historical data, and external signals, such as public transportation timetables, to optimize speed changes and operation, allowing for adaptive speed adjustments without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fixed delay times are used for speed reduction, then energy saving is achieved during quiet periods, but unnecessary speed changes occur during peak hours reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the delay time parameter variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the delay time based on detected passenger traffic conditions - using longer delay times during quiet periods to save energy, and shorter delay times during peak hours to avoid unnecessary speed changes and protect service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using passenger detection devices to monitor actual usage conditions and feed this information back to the control system. The control system then adjusts the delay time parameter based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions to optimize both energy saving and service life.
2Loss of energy
If fixed delay times are used for speed reduction, then energy saving is achieved, but servicing intervals increase due to frequent stops and starts
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts delay time parameters based on actual passenger traffic conditions, reducing the frequency of stops and starts during peak hours and thereby extending servicing intervals, while maintaining energy saving benefits during quiet periods.
Solution Approach 2:
By using feedback from passenger detection devices to automatically adjust operational parameters, the system reduces manual servicing needs and extends maintenance intervals while maintaining optimal energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If delay times are manually adjusted by servicemen, then optimization is achieved, but operational complexity and intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting passenger traffic conditions and adjusting delay time parameters without requiring manual intervention from servicemen. The control system uses built-in detection devices and processing units to autonomously optimize operation based on actual usage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of delay times with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, processing units, and programmable logic to automatically optimize parameters, eliminating the need for physical intervention at control panels.
Data Source
AI summary
A control arrangement is provided for controlling a people mover. The people mover includes a movable conveyor track for transporting people and a control unit. The conveyor track is arranged to move at a first speed when transporting passengers. The control unit is arranged to detect passengers of the people mover with a passenger detection device and to measure the time passed since the last detection of a passenger. After the measured time has reached a set value of a delay time, the control unit operates to decrease the speed of the conveyor track of the people mover either to a lower second speed or to completely stop the movement. The set value of the delay time can be changed by an action of the control unit.