Bidirectional Escalator Single Motor Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional escalators arranged in parallel and side-by-side cannot operate bidirectionally with a single driving machine and control cabinet, leading to high operational costs and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional escalator system where two escalators are arranged in parallel and side-by-side, driven by a single driving machine with a reduction gearbox having two output shafts connected via identical gears or bevel gears, allowing both escalators to operate in opposite directions with a single control cabinet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two escalators are arranged in parallel and side-by-side with independent operating mechanisms, then each escalator can operate independently, but the system cannot achieve bidirectional operation with a single driving machine and has high operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent escalator operating mechanisms into a single integrated system driven by one driving machine. The driving machine's output is divided into two separate drive chains, each controlling an escalator, enabling both to operate bidirectionally from a single power source, thus reducing complexity and cost while maintaining operational versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The single driving machine is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling two separate escalators through independent drive chains. This universal driving mechanism can operate either escalator in either direction, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various passenger flow patterns without requiring separate dedicated motors for each escalator
2Productivity
If two escalators are arranged in parallel and side-by-side with independent operating mechanisms, then each escalator can operate independently, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the power supply systems of two escalators into a single driving machine, the patent eliminates redundant energy consumption. The unified motor system efficiently powers both escalators through shared drive chains, reducing total energy usage while maintaining the ability to transport passengers in both directions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the escalators to serve each other's operational needs through the shared driving mechanism. When one escalator needs to operate in a particular direction, the single driving machine can accommodate this demand without requiring a separate motor, enabling the system to self-regulate energy distribution based on actual passenger flow requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bidirectional escalators are designed with loop-type or end-to-end arrangements, then bidirectional operation is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and operability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into two independent drive chains that branch from the single driving machine. Each drive chain independently controls one escalator, allowing for simple and reliable bidirectional operation. This segmentation maintains the structural simplicity of parallel side-by-side arrangements while enabling full bidirectional control, improving overall operability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate drive chains as mediators between the single driving machine and the two escalators. These drive chains act as transmission intermediaries that allow the driving machine to independently control each escalator's motion direction, simplifying the control mechanism and improving operability compared to direct mechanical linkages in conventional designs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces energy consumption and operational costs while providing a compact, high-operability, and cost-effective solution by enabling efficient bidirectional operation with a single driving machine and control cabinet.
Implementation Method 1
a reduction gearbox connected to said electric motor and having a first output shaft and a second output shaft
Implementation Method 2
said first and second output shafts are connected to each other via a pair of identical gears engaged with each other and installed on said respective output shafts
Implementation Method 3
Said first drive sprocket is connected to said ascending drive unit via a first drive chain
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-directional escalator includes an ascending escalator and a descending escalator arranged in parallel and side-by-side with the ascending escalator. A driving machine drives an ascending driving unit and a descending driving unit at the same time. A controller controls operation of the driving machine. The driving machine includes an electric motor and a reduction gearbox connected to the electric motor. The reduction gearbox has a first output shaft and a second output shaft both arranged on the same side of the reduction gearbox.