Escalator Deflector Device with Modular Brush Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety devices for escalators and moving walks are either complex to assemble or compromise on stability and strength for easier assembly.

Innovation Solution

A deflector device with a deflector profile and brush unit that allows for easy, quick vertical connection to the balustrade base, featuring snap-in fastening mechanisms for tool-free installation and replacement, ensuring stability and strength while simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional robust carrier profiles with wedge elements are used to ensure stability, then the strength and stability of the safety device is improved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of safety deviceVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector device is divided into separate modular components: a deflector profile that attaches to the balustrade base and a brush unit that attaches to the deflector profile. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in a simplified sequence without requiring complex fastening mechanisms like wedge elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of inserting brush elements from the front into a large carrier profile and securing them with wedge elements inserted from the end, the invention inverts the assembly sequence: the deflector profile is first attached to the balustrade base, then the brush unit is attached to the deflector profile in a simplified manner, eliminating the need for complex wedge-based securing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If simpler assembly methods are used for the deflector device, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the robustness and stability of the safety device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstability of safety device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the deflector device into a deflector profile and a brush unit that attach in sequence, the invention achieves simple assembly while maintaining stability. Each segment can be attached using straightforward methods without compromising the overall structural integrity of the safety device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector profile acts as an intermediary component between the balustrade base and the brush unit. This intermediate element provides a stable mounting surface for the brush unit while being easily attachable to the balustrade base, thus achieving both ease of assembly and robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If brush units are designed for quick replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the connection strength between brush units and deflector profile may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrush unit replaceabilityVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The brush unit is designed as a separate replaceable module that attaches to the deflector profile. This segmentation enables easy removal and replacement of brush units while maintaining a strong connection during use, as the modular design allows for optimized attachment mechanisms that balance ease of replacement with connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the brush unit and deflector profile is designed to be dynamically adjustable: during normal operation, the connection is strong and stable; during maintenance, the connection can be easily released and reattached. This dynamic characteristic enables both strong connection and easy replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2033930B1Transportation Device with Deflector Apparatus
Publication Date: 2013.04.10 INVENTIO AG
  • EP2033930B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2033930B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2033930B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An escalator (1) or moving walkway, comprising a step conveyor (4) with steps (5) or a pallet conveyor with pallets and a balustrade (2) with handrail (2.2) held by a balustrade base (3). An anti-pinch device 6 or deflector device (6) is arranged on the balustrade base, which prevents objects and persons from being pinched or trapped between the steps and the balustrade base. The anti-pinch device 6 or deflector device (6) comprises a receiving profile (7) or base profile (7) arranged on a vertical area (3.1) of the balustrade base and a brush unit (8). The receiving profile (7) or base profile (7) or base profile (7) has fastening means or fastening parts (7.1, 7.2) for vertically joining and/or vertically connecting the brush unit (8).