Escalator Framework Modernization via Cross Brace Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing escalators and moving walks face challenges in modernization as replacing individual parts does not bring them up to the latest technical and safety standards, and complete replacement is costly and time-consuming, requiring significant adjustments due to differences in cross brace dimensions and seismic safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the removal of existing electrical and mechanical parts from the escalator or moving walk framework, replacement of cross braces with new ones tailored to new components, and stabilization of the framework to ensure safety and stability during modernization, allowing for the integration of new components without extensive adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complete replacement of existing escalator is performed, then the escalator meets current technical and safety standards, but the cost and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with current standardsVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The modernization process is segmented into distinct phases: removal of electrical and mechanical parts, replacement of cross braces, and installation of new components. This allows the framework to be preserved while only replacing necessary elements, reducing overall replacement time while ensuring compliance with current standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The method performs preliminary actions by first removing all electrical and mechanical parts before replacing the cross braces. This sequence prepares the framework in advance for the installation of new components, ensuring that the structure is ready to meet current standards before final assembly begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If existing cross braces are removed and replaced with new ones, then new components can be integrated without extensive adjustments, but the framework stability is compromised during the process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of new componentsVSAvoidframework stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing stabilization means before removing the existing cross braces. This ensures the framework remains stable throughout the replacement process, allowing new components to be integrated without extensive adjustments while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization means acts as an intermediary element that temporarily supports the framework during cross brace replacement. This mediator maintains framework stability while allowing the removal and installation of cross braces and new components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If existing cross braces are used, then the framework maintains its current structure, but new components require extensive adjustments to match existing dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframework structureVSAvoidadjustment work
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The method extracts the existing cross braces from the framework, removing the source of dimensional constraints. This allows new components to be installed without requiring extensive adjustments to match the old cross brace dimensions, while the stabilization means ensures framework structure is maintained during the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If sequential replacement of cross braces is performed, then framework stability is maintained during modernization, but the labor cost increases due to extended work duration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during modernizationVSAvoidmodernization speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by installing stabilization means before removing any cross braces. This allows workers to confidently perform sequential replacement while maintaining framework stability, ensuring safety during modernization without compromising the process flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3472084B1Method for modernising an escalator or moving walkway
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 INVENTIO AG
  • EP3472084B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3472084B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3472084B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for modernising an existing escalator (1) or an existing moving walkway (1). Said method comprises at least the following steps: - removing all the electrical and mechanical parts from the existing framework (6) of the existing escalator (1) or of the existing moving walkway (1), the existing framework (6) having two framework side parts (31, 32) and a base structure (37) connecting said framework side parts, and the framework side parts (31, 32) being connected to each other by means of cross members disposed at a distance from the base structure (37); and - replacing the existing cross members (39) of the existing framework (6) with new cross members (40, 90), the two framework side parts (31, 32) of the existing framework (6) being connected to each other in a mutually stabilising manner at least at one point at a distance from the base structure (37) of the framework (6), during replacement of the cross members (39, 40, 90).