Deep-drawn escalator step cheek design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing escalator and moving walk step or pallet designs are complex and expensive to manufacture, requiring stable and torsionally rigid components, particularly the side cheeks, which are often made of aluminum or heavy sheet metal parts, necessitating a cost-effective alternative without compromising smooth running, stability, or service life.
Innovation Solution
The design features a one-piece, deep-drawn metal sheet step cheek with a three-dimensional shape and a stepped eye for accommodating chain pin axles, allowing direct bearing and reducing the need for additional components, and can be reinforced with locking plates for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If aluminum step cheeks are used, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive casting molds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive aluminum step cheeks with cheaper sheet metal step cheeks that can be manufactured using less expensive processes. The sheet metal step cheeks are designed to be sufficiently durable for the application while significantly reducing both material cost and manufacturing tooling investment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If heavy sheet metal parts are used for step cheeks, then stability and torsional rigidity are improved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the sheet metal thickness and geometric parameters of the step cheek design to achieve the necessary stability and torsional rigidity. By carefully selecting the thickness parameter and optimizing the structural geometry, the step cheek achieves adequate stiffness without requiring excessive material weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining sheet metal with reinforcing elements such as ribs, stiffeners, or hybrid material layers. This composite approach enhances the torsional rigidity and stability of the step cheek while maintaining lower weight compared to solid heavy metal construction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex multi-part construction is used for step cheeks, then stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions and structural elements into a single unified step cheek component. By combining the side wall, reinforcement structures, and mounting features into one monolithic sheet metal part, the design achieves necessary stability while eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thin sheet metal with strategically placed reinforcement elements to achieve structural stability. The thin film approach allows for complex geometries and integrations that would be difficult with thick solid metal, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity through optimized thin-walled design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
Step cheek (20.1, 20.2) for a conveying device (1) having a plurality of steps (2) or plates, wherein each step (2) or plate has two lateral step cheeks (20.1, 20.2) which stand substantially perpendicular with respect to a tread element (9) and a seating element (14) of the step (2) or plate. The step cheek (20.1, 20.2) comprises a single-piece, deep-drawn metal sheet, wherein the metal sheet has a three-dimensional shape with an at least partially circumferential rim (26) and a step socket (32) which is enclosed or surrounded by the metal sheet.