Dynamic Comb Roller Design for Pinch-Point Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyance systems, such as moving walkways and escalators, suffer from pinch points where objects can be caught, leading to system shutdowns and potential injuries, and height differences cause difficulties in transitioning between moving and nonmoving elements.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic comb with roller elements, lower and upper support elements, and a base structure, designed to smoothly transition passengers or objects by rotating in sync with the conveyance system, minimizing entrapment risks and facilitating seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static comb is used in the conveyance system, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but objects can be caught at pinch points causing system shutdowns and injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static comb into a dynamic comb where the comb teeth are mounted on rollers that move with the conveyor belt. This dynamic configuration eliminates fixed pinch points while maintaining the comb's function of guiding and supporting objects during transitions between moving and stationary sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses rollers as intermediary elements between the comb teeth and the conveyor belt. These rollers act as a mediator that allows the comb teeth to move smoothly with the belt while maintaining proper spacing and alignment, thereby preventing object entrapment without requiring direct mechanical coupling.
2Ease of operation
If a static comb is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but height changes between moving and nonmoving elements cause transition difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic comb configuration allows the comb teeth to move with the conveyor belt, creating a smooth transition surface that eliminates height differences between moving and stationary elements. This dynamic adaptation simplifies the transition process for objects and passengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the comb from static to dynamic, allowing the comb teeth to change their position and orientation in sync with the conveyor belt movement. This parameter change enables smooth transitions while the modular roller design keeps installation manageable.
3Reliability
If the comb is made dynamic with roller elements, then object entrapment is prevented and transition is smoothed, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comb structure into multiple independent roller units, each capable of rotating independently. This segmentation allows the complex dynamic function to be distributed across simple, identical modules, making the system more manageable and easier to manufacture despite the increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers in the dynamic comb serve multiple functions: they support the comb teeth, enable movement with the conveyor belt, prevent object entrapment, and facilitate smooth transitions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, offsetting some of the complexity increase.
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
Prevents object entrapment and enhances user safety by ensuring continuous operation and easy passage across varying heights, reducing the likelihood of system shutdowns and injuries.
Implementation Method 1
roller element disposed at least partially between and below portions of the upper support element
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic comb for use with a conveyance system to transition a passenger or object from a nonmoving element to a moving element and vice versa. The dynamic comb can include a upper support element or a lower support element. The dynamic comb can also include a roller element disposed at least partially between and below portions of the upper support element. A method of installing the dynamic comb for an existing conveyance system or as part of a new conveyance system to transition a passenger or object from a nonmoving element to a nonmoving element and vice versa.