Escalator Detector Roller Wear Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal transport systems, such as driving stairs and elevators, face challenges in efficiently and effectively detecting wear and tear, particularly at contact points of movable components, which affects their maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
A personal transport system equipped with a detection device that includes a detector roll with a discontinuous circumference and a monitoring device for recording audio and image data along the movement path, allowing for the identification of wear and tear by comparing recorded data with reference data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If path recording with acceleration sensors is used to detect wear, then ride quality can be monitored, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic detection systems (acceleration sensors and path recording equipment) with a simple mechanical detector roller that has a discontinuous circumferential surface. This mechanical approach generates audible signals directly through contact with the guide rail, eliminating the need for sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment while maintaining wear detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector roller is designed to automatically detect wear conditions through its own rolling motion and contact with the guide rail. The discontinuous circumferential surface creates audible signals that directly indicate wear without requiring external power sources, data processing systems, or complex analysis equipment. The system uses the mechanical interaction itself to generate the detection signal.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive monitoring devices are installed to detect wear phenomena, then detection accuracy improves, but the ease of operation and maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic monitoring devices with a simple mechanical detector roller that produces audible signals. This mechanical approach maintains detection precision through the physical interaction between the roller's discontinuous surface and the guide rail, while dramatically improving ease of operation as the system requires no electronic controls, power sources, or complex data interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic signal changes (analogous to color changes in optical detection) to indicate wear conditions. The detector roller generates distinct audible signals when contacting worn versus unworn sections of the guide rail, providing clear, intuitive detection without complex electronics. The change in sound characteristics directly indicates the wear state, making the system easy to operate and interpret.
3Reliability
If traditional guide rollers are replaced with detector rollers having discontinuous circumferential surfaces, then wear detection capability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector roller is designed with a discontinuous circumferential surface that is segmented into distinct contact and non-contact portions. This segmentation is achieved through simple mechanical means such as attaching discrete elements or creating gaps in the roller surface, rather than requiring complex manufacturing processes. The segmented structure naturally generates audible signals during rotation, providing wear detection capability while maintaining ease of manufacture.
4Measurement precision
If monitoring devices record audio and image data along the travel path, then wear localization accuracy improves, but data processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic audio and image recording systems with a simple audible signal generation mechanism. The detector roller's discontinuous circumferential surface creates sound signals that directly indicate wear locations along the travel path. This mechanical approach provides sufficient localization accuracy through the spatial distribution of audible signals without requiring complex data recording, storage, or processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector roller automatically generates audible signals at the precise locations where wear occurs along the travel path. These self-generated signals provide immediate localization information without requiring external recording devices or data processing equipment. The system uses the mechanical interaction itself to provide both detection and localization functions simultaneously.
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 solution enables simpler and more efficient detection of wear and tear, allowing for faster and clearer localization of issues such as loose connection points or guide rail lowering, thereby improving maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The detector roller (150) has a discontinuous circumferential surface in the unwinding direction of the detector roller (150)... detecting wear phenomena such as loose connection points and/or subsidence of a guide rail of the guide rail system (13)
Implementation Method 2
The detection device (15) comprises a monitoring device for recording audio data and/or image data along the desired travel path (14)... comparing the recorded audio data and/or image data with corresponding target reference data
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a passenger transport system (10), in particular an escalator or a moving walkway, comprising a plurality of step units (11) which can be moved by means of guide rollers (12) on a guide rail system (13) along a desired travel path (14). The passenger transport system (10) comprises a detection apparatus (15) for detecting signs of wear. The detection apparatus (15) has at least one detector roller (150) which is mounted in place of one of the guide rollers (12). The detector roller (150) has a discontinuous peripheral surface in the rolling direction of the detector roller (150). The detection apparatus (15) also comprises a monitoring device (155) for recording audio data and/or image data along the desired travel path (14). The invention also relates to a method for detecting signs of wear of a passenger transport system as described in the present disclosure.