People Conveyor Drive Pulley With Integrated Gear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional people conveyor drive systems face issues with wear-induced elongation of chain links, requiring large sprockets and bulky motor-gearbox setups, which increase space, torque requirements, and noise, while also being prone to chain failures and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A belt-driven drive system with a gear system integrated within the belt drive pulley, eliminating the need for a main drive chain and reducing the system's footprint, noise, and maintenance needs, by using a flexible drive belt and a compact gear system for speed reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of chain links is reduced to minimize wear-induced elongation, then reliability is improved, but ride comfort deteriorates and a larger sprocket is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chain link mechanical connection system with a continuous belt system. The belt has no discrete links or pins, eliminating wear at connection points while providing continuous contact for smooth operation and passenger comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible belt made of continuous material (such as rubber or polymer) instead of rigid chain links. This flexible continuous structure eliminates the pin-socket connections that cause wear, while the flexibility maintains ride comfort through natural conformability to the sprocket.
2Reliability
If a larger drive sprocket is used to accommodate fewer chain links, then reliability is improved, but space requirements increase and torque requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the chain-sprocket mechanical system with a belt-pulley system. The continuous belt allows for a smaller pulley diameter because it doesn't rely on discrete link articulation, reducing the overall footprint of the drive system while maintaining reliability through the wear-free continuous contact.
3Power
If a gearbox is added to convert high speed low torque to low speed high torque, then power transmission is improved, but device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the drive pulley and gearbox into a single integrated unit. The gear system is positioned inside the pulley, combining the speed reduction function with the drive function, eliminating the need for a separate external gearbox and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the gear system is located within the pulley structure. This nesting allows the gear reduction mechanism to be contained within the existing drive pulley footprint, eliminating additional external components and reducing space requirements.
4Power
If a main drive chain is used to connect the motor to the drive sprocket, then power transmission is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to chain failure risk and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the main drive chain with a direct belt-driven system. The belt is driven directly by the motor through the integrated pulley-gear assembly, eliminating intermediate chain connections that are prone to wear, stretching, and failure, thereby improving reliability while maintaining power transmission capability.
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
This solution reduces the space and torque requirements, enhances ride comfort, and increases reliability by eliminating chain failures, while maintaining a smaller and more efficient drive system with reduced noise and lubrication needs.
Implementation Method 1
a gear system arranged to couple the input shaft to the belt drive pulley such that there is a speed reduction from the input shaft to the belt drive pulley
Implementation Method 2
a belt drive pulley for driving a drive belt
Implementation Method 3
the belt drive pulley is arranged to drive the drive belt to propel the plurality of conveyance elements along the conveyance path
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system (8) for a belt-driven people conveyor (2) is provided which includes a drive motor (10) arranged to drive an input shaft (16); a belt drive pulley (12) for driving a drive belt (6); and a gear system (20) arranged to couple the input shaft (16) to the belt drive pulley (12) such that there is a speed reduction from the input shaft (16) to the belt drive pulley (12). The gear system (20) comprises an output gear (40) directly connected to or formed integrally with the belt drive pulley (12) and at least part of the gear system (20) is located within the belt drive pulley (12).