Passenger Conveyor Step Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing abnormality detection systems for passenger conveyor steps fail to accurately detect wear of guide members and uneven extension of step chains due to reliance on gap measurements and sensor placement at the landing plate, which can lead to inaccurate detection of step abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
An abnormality detection apparatus with first and second sensors arranged at upper and lower horizontal portions, respectively, measuring distances to the steps' side surfaces along the traveling direction, allowing the control device to detect positional deviations and inclinations, thereby identifying abnormalities in guide members and step chains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensors are arranged at the landing plate to detect step abnormalities, then the detection system is simple to implement, but the detection accuracy is reduced because step position is regulated at this location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from detecting step abnormalities at the landing plate (one location) to detecting at multiple locations along the traveling direction (upper horizontal portion and lower horizontal portion). This dimensional expansion in the traveling direction enables accurate detection of positional deviations and inclinations that cannot be detected at a single regulated position.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gap between steps and skirt guards is maintained to prevent contact, then skirt guard damage is avoided, but the gap change is too small to accurately detect chain extension
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on gap width changes (lateral dimension), the patent introduces measurement along the traveling direction by positioning sensors at upper and lower horizontal portions. This enables detection of positional deviations and inclination changes that occur when chains extend, providing a more sensitive measurement dimension for detecting chain abnormalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple sensor locations (upper horizontal portion and lower horizontal portion) rather than using a single sensor. This segmentation allows independent measurement of positional deviations at different locations, enabling more accurate detection of chain extension through comparison of measurement value changes.
3Device complexity
If only gap change between steps is used to detect chain extension, then the detection system is simple, but detection accuracy is insufficient because gap change is not caused only by chain extension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into multiple measurement points (first sensor at upper horizontal portion, second sensor at lower horizontal portion) to independently measure positional deviations. By comparing the changes in measurement values from multiple segments, the system can distinguish chain extension effects from other gap-changing factors, improving detection accuracy while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
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 approach enables accurate detection of positional deviations and inclinations of passenger conveyor steps, allowing for timely identification of wear and uneven chain extensions, facilitating effective maintenance and preventing damage to skirt guards.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor arranged at an upper horizontal portion; a second sensor arranged at a lower horizontal portion... each configured to measure a distance to a side surface of each of steps along a traveling direction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an abnormality detection apparatus for a passenger conveyor, including: a first sensor arranged at an upper horizontal portion; a second sensor arranged at a lower horizontal portion; and a control device configured to receive respective outputs of the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are each configured to measure a distance to a side surface of each of steps along a traveling direction of each of steps, and wherein the control device is configured to detect abnormality of the passenger conveyor based on a change amount of each of measurement values given by the first sensor and the second sensor.