Escalator Assembly Safety Device with Fastening Sensor Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a risk of accidents during the assembly of passenger transport systems like escalators or moving walkways due to the lack of proper protective devices, especially when installation personnel fail to follow safety protocols.
Innovation Solution
A protective device comprising at least one barrier device and one support, connected via suitable connection points, equipped with a sensor module and a signal connection unit to ensure proper attachment to the supporting structure and monitor the fastening state, thereby enforcing safety measures during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the protective device is made easily installable and removable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of safety enforcement deteriorates due to potential non-compliance by installation personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sensor module that detects the fastening state of the protective device and transmits this information to a control unit. The control unit can then enforce safety protocols by preventing further assembly operations until the protective device is properly installed, creating a feedback loop that ensures compliance without relying solely on worker discipline
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device includes integrated sensors and control systems that automatically monitor and enforce their own installation status. The system self-verifies whether it is properly fastened to the supporting structure and automatically prevents unsafe operations, making the safety enforcement autonomous rather than dependent on external monitoring
2Reliability
If sensor modules and control systems are added to enforce safety, then the reliability of safety enforcement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module serves multiple functions: it detects whether the protective device is properly fastened, communicates this status to the control unit, and enables or disables assembly operations accordingly. The control unit also serves as both a receiver of sensor data and an enforcer of safety protocols, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
3Reliability
If the protective device is made mandatory through technical enforcement, then the reliability of safety compliance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted assembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the assembly system's operational state based on the protective device's fastening status. When the sensor detects proper installation, the control unit enables normal assembly operations; when improperly installed, it prevents operations. This dynamic control ensures safety without permanently restricting operational flexibility
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a protection device (51) for protecting installation personnel while said installation personnel carry out installation works on a passenger transport system (11) designed as an escalator or a moving walkway. The protection device (51) comprises at least one blocking device (57), at least one support (55) with a fastening region (59) for fastening to a supporting structure (33) of the passenger transport system (11), and a sensor system. Data relating to a fastening state of the fastening region (59) can be detected by means of the sensor system and said data can be transmitted via a signal connecting unit (71) to a data transmission module (93) of the passenger transport system (11).