Escalator Module Bracket Layout for Narrow Truss Retrofit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing escalator modules are too wide in the transverse direction to fit within narrow trusses, limiting their installation in renovated escalators with limited space frames.

Innovation Solution

The escalator module design incorporates a multifunctional connecting bracket that does not exceed the guide wheel assembly in the transverse direction, with the guide wheel support plate positioned on the outer side and guide wheels on the inner side, allowing for a compact structure that fits within narrow trusses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the multifunctional connecting plate is designed to accommodate conventional escalator modules, then the structural strength and functionality are improved, but the transverse width increases making it incompatible with narrow trusses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidtransverse width
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the multifunctional connecting plate with the guide wheel assembly by integrating the guide wheel support plate directly onto the connecting plate. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces the overall transverse width while maintaining both the structural support function and the guide wheel function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide wheel assembly is nested within the boundary of the multifunctional connecting plate. The guide wheel support plate is positioned such that the entire guide wheel assembly fits within the transverse width of the connecting plate, creating a compact integrated structure that accommodates multiple functions within a reduced footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional connection modes are used for multifunctional connecting plate and guide wheel assembly, then ease of installation is improved, but the transverse dimension exceeds narrow truss capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidtransverse dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the connecting plate and guide wheel assembly into a single integrated unit where the guide wheel support plate is directly connected to the multifunctional connecting plate. This merger simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of separate components and connection steps, while simultaneously reducing the transverse dimension to fit narrow trusses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the escalator module is designed with standard dimensions, then component availability and ease of replacement are improved, but adaptability to narrow truss frameworks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to narrow trussVSAvoidcomponent standardization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing the multifunctional connecting plate with a specific compact configuration tailored for narrow truss applications. The plate integrates the guide wheel assembly in a localized manner that optimizes space utilization, allowing the escalator module to adapt to narrow truss frameworks while maintaining standardized components for ease of manufacture and replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4495046B1Escalator module and escalator
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 KONE OYJ
  • EP4495046B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4495046B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4495046B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention provides an escalator module and an escalator, wherein the escalator module comprises a multifunctional connecting bracket, and a guide wheel assembly comprising a guide wheel support plate and a plurality of guide wheels, wherein the plurality of guide wheels are connected to the guide wheel support plate, and the guide wheel support plate is connected to the multifunctional connecting bracket, and the multifunctional connecting bracket does not exceed the guide wheel assembly in a transverse direction, so that the escalator module at least comprises, at the maximum dimension in the transverse direction, the guide wheel assembly.