Escalator Cladding Positioning via Laser-Cut Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track device support structures face challenges with large manufacturing tolerances due to welding, leading to complex positioning and alignment methods for components, particularly for cladding elements which require manual positioning and fastening.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a support structure with defined connecting means on the side wall units, allowing for precise positioning and alignment of cladding elements using reference points, such as recesses and hooks, formed with high accuracy through methods like laser cutting, eliminating the need for additional fastening aids and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welded profiles are used to construct the support structure, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to large welding tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components (side wall units with upper and lower chords) that can be manufactured separately with high precision and then assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be produced with tight tolerances using laser cutting rather than welding, thereby maintaining structural integrity while improving manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the welding process with laser cutting technology for manufacturing the support structure components. This substitution eliminates the large tolerances inherent in welding while maintaining the structural strength through precise laser-cut edges and specialized connecting means designed for mechanical assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex positioning procedures with assembly aids are used to attach components, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means are pre-integrated into the support structure modules during manufacturing, with reference points and positioning features already in place. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex positioning procedures and assembly aids during installation, as components can be directly attached using the pre-configured connecting means.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure includes self-positioning features and self-aligning connecting means that automatically guide component placement. The reference points and integrated connecting elements enable the structure to self-correct minor alignment variations, eliminating the need for external positioning aids and manual adjustment procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning and fastening of cladding elements are used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to laborious assembly
Solution Approach 1:
Manual positioning and fastening operations are replaced with automated laser cutting processes that create precise connecting means and reference points directly on the support structure. This mechanical substitution enables high-precision positioning to be achieved through automated manufacturing rather than manual adjustment, significantly improving assembly productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters from manual operations to automated laser processing, achieving positioning accuracies of less than 1 millimeter. This parameter change transforms the assembly process from labor-intensive manual fastening to efficient automated production, thereby improving both precision and productivity simultaneously.
4Manufacturing precision
If additional fastening devices and positioning aids are added to the support structure, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of fastening devices, positioning aids, and reference points into integrated connecting means that are part of the primary support structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate additional components, maintaining high alignment precision while avoiding the weight and complexity penalties of multiple discrete fastening and positioning elements.
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 simplified, safe, and highly accurate positioning and alignment of components, reducing assembly tolerances and the need for complex alignment methods, resulting in a lightweight and dimensionally accurate track device with improved manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
formed with high accuracy through methods like laser cutting
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a travel device (1), in particular an escalator device, comprising a support structure (2) with two opposing side wall units (2.1, 2.2), each with an upper chord (4.1), a lower chord (4.2), and a side wall (3) extending between the upper chord (4.1) and the lower chord (4.2), and at least one first cladding element (23.1) for cladding the travel device (1) from one side, wherein at least one first side wall unit (2.1) has at least one first connecting element (24.1) for directly holding the first cladding element (23.1) to the first side wall unit (2.1), wherein the at least one first connecting element (24.1) is positioned in a defined position relative to a reference point (18) of the support structure (2), and wherein the first cladding element (23.1) has at least one second connecting element (24.2) for cooperating with the first connecting element (24.1) when holding the first cladding element. (23.1) on the first side wall unit (2.1). The invention further relates to a support structure (2) and a longitudinal section module (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) of such a travel path device (1).