Drive Chain Tension Monitoring via Transverse Motion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing people conveyor systems, such as escalators and moving walkways, face challenges in continuously monitoring and maintaining the correct tension force of their drive chains, which is crucial for proper operation, ride quality, and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A chain tension monitoring device comprising a sensor device and evaluator that detects movement transverse to the drive chain, calculates tension force using a formula incorporating sprocket distances, rotational speed, and resonance factors, and includes a controller for issuing alarms and adjusting tension automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chain tension is monitored continuously during operation, then reliability of people conveyor operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to addition of sensor device and evaluator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tension measurement systems with a sensor device that detects transverse chain movement and an evaluator that calculates tension force using detection signals and a formula. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling continuous monitoring during operation, thereby improving reliability without excessive device complexity.
2Reliability
If chain tension monitoring device is added to people conveyor, then chain tension force can be maintained correctly, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical tension measurement and adjustment mechanisms with electronic sensors and computational evaluation. The sensor device detects transverse movement and the evaluator calculates tension force using a formula, providing continuous monitoring and control at lower manufacturing cost while ensuring correct chain tension force maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain tension monitoring device enables the people conveyor system to self-monitor and self-adjust chain tension automatically during operation. The evaluator determines tension force from detection signals and the system can automatically adjust tension within safe limits, reducing the need for manual intervention and specialized maintenance equipment, thereby lowering overall manufacturing and operational costs.
3Measurement precision
If transverse chain movement is detected to determine tension force, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to mechanical sensor components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures chain tension force by detecting transverse chain movement using a sensor device and calculating the tension force through an evaluator using a formula that incorporates detection signals, sprocket distances, rotational speed, and resonance factors. This approach achieves high measurement precision while avoiding complex mechanical tension measurement mechanisms, as the sensor only needs to detect transverse displacement rather than directly measure force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the relationship between transverse chain movement and chain tension force, leveraging the vibrational characteristics of the chain. By detecting transverse movement and applying a formula that includes resonance factors, the system achieves precise tension measurement through vibration-based detection rather than direct mechanical force measurement, reducing device complexity while improving measurement precision.
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
Ensures reliable and continuous monitoring of chain tension, preventing operational issues, maintaining ride quality, reducing wear, and extending the lifespan of conveyor components by automatically adjusting tension within safe limits.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device is configured for mechanically contacting the drive chain, detecting movement of the drive chain in a direction oriented transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the longitudinal direction of the drive chain, and providing a detection signal indicating the detected movement of the drive chain.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor device may comprise an elastic element configured for urging the movable element against the drive chain
Implementation Method 3
an accelerometer configured for detecting movement of the movable element transversely, in particularly orthogonally, to the longitudinal direction, and providing a corresponding signal
Implementation Method 4
The evaluator may be configured for determining at least one frequency of the detected movement in order to determine the chain tension force of the drive chain from said at least one frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Chain tension monitoring device (40) is configured for monitoring a chain tension force (FC) of a drive chain (27) extending in a longitudinal direction forming closed loop between two sprockets (26, 28). The chain tension monitoring device (40) comprises a sensor device (41) configured for mechanically contacting the drive chain (27), detecting movement of the drive chain (27) transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the longitudinal direction of the drive chain (27), and providing a detection signal indicating the detected movement of the drive chain (27); and an evaluator (50) configured for receiving the detection signal provided by the sensor device (41) and determining a chain tension force (FC) of the drive chain (27) from said detection signal.