Adjustable Escalator Drive Mount for Easy Unit Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing escalator drive units face significant challenges in being replaced or modified due to rigid support structures, requiring extensive redesign and high costs, especially when new types of drive units with different bases are involved, and current solutions lack flexibility and practicality.
Innovation Solution
A drive mounting system comprising two plates with positionally variable fastening means and a crossbeam, allowing for adjustable installation and support of drive units on escalators, enabling easy exchange and maintenance with minimal structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standardized drive foundations are used, then drive unit installation is simplified, but flexibility for installing novel components is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates adjustable support elements that can be positioned at multiple locations along guide rails, allowing the drive mounting to adapt to different drive unit configurations and base types while maintaining standardized installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed with universal features including elongated holes and adjustable support elements that can accommodate various drive unit types and base configurations, enabling a single standardized foundation to serve multiple functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If drive units with different bases are installed, then drive concept renewal is enabled, but structural redesign effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components including separate support elements, guide rails, and mounting plates that can be independently adjusted or replaced without redesigning the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure acts as an intermediary between the standardized support beams and various drive unit bases, providing adaptation through adjustable support elements and elongated holes that accommodate different base configurations without modifying the primary support structure
3Ease of repair
If welding work on escalator structure is permitted, then drive unit replacement is simplified, but structural integrity risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design replaces welding with mechanical fastening systems including bolts, screws, and clip-like elements that attach drive units to the support structure through elongated holes and guide rails, eliminating thermal processes while maintaining secure connections
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure uses uniform mechanical fastening methods throughout, with consistent use of elongated holes and standardized fasteners that provide reliable attachment without compromising structural integrity through localized heating
4Reliability
If identical drive units are replaced, then compatibility is maintained, but drive unit innovation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates adjustable support elements that can be repositioned along guide rails, allowing the same standardized mounting to accommodate different drive unit types and configurations while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows variation in mounting parameters such as support element positions, fastening locations along elongated holes, and plate orientations, enabling accommodation of different drive unit specifications while using the same standardized mounting structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drive mount for receiving and supporting a drive unit of an escalator or a moving walkway, in particular in an arrangement on a drive train of the escalator, having at least one plate or base with fastening means for supporting and fastening the drive unit. The invention also relates to an escalator or a moving walkway having such a drive mount and to a mounting kit for such a drive mount. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for providing and at least partially installing a drive mount for receiving and supporting such a drive unit. Finally, the present invention also relates to the use of at least one plate or base for providing and at least partially installing such a drive mount.