Escalator Remote Inspection Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote inspection systems for escalators may fail to detect passengers approaching the entrance in time due to limited camera views and transmission delays, leading to potential accidents from sudden speed changes when the operation mode is switched back to normal.
Innovation Solution
A remote inspection device equipped with cameras and sensors, such as Doppler sensors, positioned above and around the escalator entrance to detect passengers outside the camera's view, allowing for immediate adjustment of the escalator's operation mode to prevent accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a remote visual inspection is performed using a camera, then external defects of the escalator can be detected, but the operator cannot notice passengers approaching the entrance in time due to limited camera view and transmission delay
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple functional components: a camera for defect detection, sensors (e.g., Doppler sensors) for passenger detection, and a controller for coordinating operations. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, enabling the sensor to detect passengers earlier than the camera can visually confirm their presence, thereby resolving the time delay issue while maintaining defect detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary sensor system is introduced between the passenger and the camera-based inspection system. The sensor acts as an early warning mechanism that detects passengers before they enter the camera's field of view or before the video transmission delay would prevent detection, allowing the escalator to be stopped in advance to prevent accidents
2Ease of operation
If the escalator operation mode is switched manually during remote inspection, then inspection can be performed, but sudden speed changes may occur when a passenger is detected, resulting in serious accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the approaching passenger before the mode switching is initiated or completed. The sensor detects the passenger in advance, and the controller pre-stops the escalator before the operator completes the mode switching operation, eliminating the risk of sudden speed changes during transitions
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback loop is established where the sensor continuously monitors for approaching passengers and provides real-time information to the controller. The controller adjusts the escalator operation based on this feedback, automatically stopping the escalator when a passenger is detected, thereby preventing the safety issues associated with manual mode switching
3Measurement precision
If sensors are added to detect passengers outside camera view, then passenger detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the purely visual/mechanical camera-based detection with an electronic sensor system (e.g., Doppler sensor) that can detect passengers outside the camera's field of view. This substitution enables detection in areas not visible to the camera without requiring physical repositioning or additional mechanical complexity in the camera mounting structure
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
The system effectively prevents accidents by ensuring timely detection of passengers approaching the escalator entrance, allowing for smooth transitions between normal and inspection modes, thereby enhancing safety during remote visual inspections.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor includes a Doppler sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote inspection device for a passenger conveyor 9 includes at least one camera 4 mounted directly above the passenger conveyor 9 for monitoring external conditions of the passenger conveyor 9, a remote controller 2 for performing a remote visual inspection using the camera 4, a passenger conveyor controller 1 for operating the passenger conveyor 9 at a normal speed during a normal operation and for operating the passenger conveyor 9 at a slower speed or bringing it to a complete stop during a remote visual inspection, and a sensor 6 connected to the passenger conveyor controller 1 and arranged in the vicinity of the entrance of the passenger conveyor 9 for detecting the presence of a passenger approaching the entrance of the passenger conveyor 9.