Escalator Sensor Integration in Projection for Detection Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring sensor arrangements for escalators and moving walks are inadequate as they fail to cover the entire access area due to obstructions, leading to incomplete detection and potential safety issues, especially for older users, and are economically inefficient due to the need for multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of a monitoring sensor partially or entirely within a projection protruding into the conveying area of an escalator or moving walk, allowing for comprehensive detection of the access area without compromising safety by ensuring the sensor's detection cone can reach adjacent walls, and using a TOF camera for effective user monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the monitoring sensor is placed in a separate post or handrail inlet cap, then the sensor is protected from vandalism, but the detection cone cannot cover the entire access area, especially areas near the comb plate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is moved from a conventional side-mounted position (2D placement on handrail or post) to a position within the conveying area (3D spatial relocation). This dimensional change allows the detection cone to cover previously inaccessible areas near the comb plate while maintaining protection through strategic positioning within the balanced structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The balanced structure serves as an intermediary element that the sensor can be integrated into. By incorporating the sensor within or on the balanced structure that extends into the conveying area, the system achieves both protection (through the structural integration) and comprehensive detection coverage (through the strategic positioning).
2Measurement precision
If the sensor protrudes more than 3mm into the conveying area, then the detection cone can cover adjacent walls, but safety requirements are violated due to risk of catching objects or clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing or mounting structure features rounded contours instead of sharp edges or protruding surfaces. This curvature allows the sensor to extend into the conveying area for improved detection coverage while eliminating catch points that could trap clothing or objects, thus maintaining safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting structure has different geometric properties at different locations: it extends into the conveying area where detection coverage is needed, but the extension features smooth, rounded surfaces without sharp edges or crevices where objects could be caught. This local differentiation of geometric quality resolves the contradiction between coverage and safety.
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
This solution enables reliable and complete coverage of the access area, improving user safety and operational efficiency by allowing for user-oriented control of the escalator or moving walk, reducing the need for multiple sensors, and minimizing vandalism risks.
Implementation Method 1
using a TOF camera for effective user monitoring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an escalator 1 or a moving walkway, comprising two access zones 2, 3, each having a comb plate 12, and a conveying zone 4 arranged between the access zones 2, 3. The conveying zone 4 extends longitudinally between the two comb plates 12 of the access zones 2, 3. At least one stationary part of the escalator 1 or of the moving walkway has at least one projection 19, 33, 119 which projects into the conveying zone 4. At least one monitoring sensor 21 is at least partly arranged in at least one projection 19, 33, 119.