Escalator Step Diagnostic Sensors for Real-Time Malfunction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for diagnosing malfunctions in passenger conveyors, such as escalators, are time-consuming and labor-intensive due to sound reverberations and the need for visual checks after shutting down the escalator, posing risks to maintenance personnel.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic device comprising cameras and directional microphones installed on a step-like configuration within the escalator, transmitting image and sound data to an outside network for analysis, allowing for real-time identification of malfunctioning components without shutting down the escalator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional maintenance methods are used to determine malfunctioning components, then the diagnosis can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to sound reverberations and the need for visual checks after shutting down the escalator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with automated acoustic and visual sensing systems. Directional microphones and cameras automatically capture sound and image data, eliminating the need for maintenance personnel to manually inspect components after shutting down the escalator. This substitution dramatically reduces maintenance time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary analysis system that processes acoustic and visual data to identify malfunctioning components. Instead of directly inspecting components, the system uses directional microphones to locate abnormal sounds and cameras to capture images of suspected components, then transmits this data for analysis. This intermediary process eliminates sound reverberation issues and enables rapid diagnosis without shutting down the escalator.
2Measurement precision
If visual checks are performed by removing steps from the escalator, then components can be inspected, but maintenance personnel are exposed to injury risks and the escalator must be shut down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the escalator to self-diagnose malfunctions through integrated sensors and analysis systems. The directional microphones and cameras automatically detect and locate abnormal components without human intervention, eliminating the need for maintenance personnel to physically access dangerous areas. This self-service approach maintains inspection accuracy while ensuring personnel safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated optical and acoustic sensing systems. Cameras capture images of components without requiring personnel to remove steps or access hazardous areas, while directional microphones locate abnormal sounds. This substitution eliminates safety risks to maintenance personnel while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If sound analysis is performed in the interior space of the escalator, then malfunctioning components can be identified, but sound reverberations make it difficult to pinpoint the exact source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the interior space into multiple monitoring zones using multiple directional microphones positioned at different locations. Each microphone focuses on a specific lateral side or region, segmenting the overall sound field. This segmentation allows the system to locate abnormal sounds more accurately by comparing signals from different zones, overcoming the problem of sound reverberations in the confined space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data processing system that analyzes acoustic signals from multiple directional microphones. The analysis unit processes sound data to identify abnormal components by comparing reference data with actual measurements, acting as an intermediary between the complex acoustic environment and the final diagnosis. This intermediary process simplifies sound source localization despite reverberations.
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
Enables rapid and safe determination of malfunctioning components by synchronizing sound and image data, reducing maintenance time and risk to personnel while operating the escalator.
Implementation Method 1
at least one directional microphone pointed to said at least one lateral side of the interior space of the passenger conveyor
Implementation Method 2
at least one camera for shooting at least one lateral side of the interior space of the passenger conveyor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A diagnostic step for a passenger conveyor comprises at least one camera for shooting at least one lateral side of the interior space of the passenger conveyor, at least one directional microphone pointed to said at least one lateral side of the interior space of the passenger conveyor and an analyzer unit which receives image data from the camera and sound data from the directional microphone and transmits the data to an outside network.