Escalator Handrail Tension Detection Using Temperature Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing escalators lack effective methods to detect and prevent excessive tension in handrails, leading to increased wear and reduced lifetime due to high tension settings.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating temperature sensors at key points along the handrail and ambient reference sensors, connected to a processing unit that compares temperature measurements to detect excess tension by identifying heat input differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tension in the handrail is increased to ensure smooth running, then handrail stability improves, but handrail wear increases and lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being monitored from mechanical tension (which is difficult to measure) to temperature (which is easily measurable). By detecting temperature changes in the handrail that correspond to excessive tension, the system can identify when tension levels are harmful and alert operators to adjust them, thus preventing excessive wear while maintaining adequate tension for smooth operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical tension measurement with thermal sensing. Instead of using mechanical sensors that would interfere with the handrail's operation, the system uses temperature sensors to indirectly detect tension levels through the heat generated by excessive tension, providing a non-intrusive monitoring solution.
2Ease of operation
If tensioning device is adjusted to provide high tension, then handrail runs smoothly, but excessive tension is set accidentally leading to short lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the handrail's temperature, and when excessive temperature (indicating excessive tension) is detected, the system generates an alert or signal to operators. This feedback loop allows operators to adjust the tensioning device to optimal levels, preventing accidental over-tensioning while maintaining smooth operation.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensor and reference temperature sensor are provided to measure handrail temperature, then excess tension can be detected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the handrail's own temperature as the measurement parameter, which naturally provides information about excessive tension without requiring external power sources or complex measurement systems. The temperature difference between the handrail and ambient environment serves as a built-in indicator of problematic tension levels, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
Effectively detects and prevents excessive handrail tension, reducing wear and extending the lifespan of handrails by identifying and adjusting tension levels.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first temperature sensor provided at the first handrail for measuring the first handrail's temperature
Data Source
Figure 1a~3
AI summary
The invention refers to an escalator (1), comprising: a support structure (2), a number of steps (3) or pallets or a moving belt guided in a circulating manner and forming a path (4), a first handrail (7.1) guided in a circulating manner and being turned around by newels (9.1, 9.2), a first tensioning device for tensioning the first handrail (7.1), a first temperature sensor (11.1) provided at the first handrail (7.1) for measuring the first handrail's (7.1) temperature, a first reference temperature sensor (12.1) for the first temperature sensor (11.1) and a processing unit (16) configured to receive measuring values from the first temperature sensor (11.1) and the first reference temperature sensor (12.1), wherein the processing unit (16) is configured to compare the measuring values of the first temperature sensor (11.1) and the measuring values of the first reference temperature sensor (12.1).