Escalator Step Collapse Reset Handle Linkage Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing step collapse reset device for escalators has an inconveniently positioned round rod handle due to safety regulations, making it difficult for personnel to operate and test the step collapse safety switch, and lengthening the handle leads to interference with other escalator parts.

Innovation Solution

A step collapse reset device with a reset handle bar connected to the cross beam rotating rod through a link rod assembly, which converts rotational motion into linear motion, featuring a swinging arm, connecting bracket, and guide bracket to optimize positioning and avoid interference, allowing the handle to extend to the skirt panel's upper edge for easier operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the round rod handle is lengthened to improve accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but interference with other escalator parts occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of reset handleVSAvoidinterference with escalator parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A link rod assembly is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the cross beam rotating rod and the reset handle bar. This assembly includes a swinging arm and connecting rod that convert the rotational motion of the cross beam rotating rod into linear motion of the reset handle bar, allowing the handle to reach the optimal operating position without interfering with other escalator components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from direct rotational movement in one dimension to a two-dimensional motion path using the link rod assembly. The swinging arm rotates while the connecting rod translates this motion into linear displacement, effectively using multiple spatial dimensions to resolve the interference problem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the round rod handle position is kept low according to safety regulations, then safety compliance is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety complianceVSAvoidconvenience of reset operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reset handle bar is designed to be dynamically positioned rather than fixed. Through the link rod assembly, the handle bar can extend to different positions during operation, allowing it to reach the optimal ergonomic position for operation while the underlying cross beam rotating rod remains in its safety-compliant low position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The link rod assembly acts as a mediator that decouples the safety-critical position of the cross beam rotating rod from the operator-friendly position of the reset handle bar, allowing each to be optimized independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables convenient operation and testing of the step collapse safety switch by raising the reset handle bar to the skirt panel's upper edge, while avoiding interference issues by converting rotational motion into linear motion, improving accessibility and spatial structure.

Implementation Method 1

The rotation of the cross beam rotating rod is converted into a substantially linear motion of the reset handle bar through the link rod assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical linkage: Four-Bar Linkage

Implementation Method 2

The link rod assembly comprises a swinging arm and a connecting bracket that work together to transform rotational motion into linear motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP4091979A1Step collapse reset device for an escalator
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 KONE OYJ
  • EP4091979A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4091979A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4091979A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A step collapse reset device for an escalator, which comprises a reset handle bar, and is characterized in that the step collapse reset device also comprises a link rod assembly; the reset handle bar is connected to a cross beam rotating rod of the escalator through the link rod assembly; the rotation of the cross beam rotating rod is converted into a substantially linear motion of the reset handle bar through the link rod assembly.