Escalator Step Roller Axle Height Stop for Vertical Step Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing escalators face issues with individual steps shifting vertically, posing a risk of unwanted upward or tilting movements, particularly in areas where users walk, and current solutions like hooks on the step base are considered suboptimal due to manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a height limiting device that interacts with the step roller axle to prevent upward vertical movement by using the roller axis as a force transmission means, projecting laterally beyond the roller, and incorporating an L-shaped section to define a height limit stop, allowing for a stable, slim, and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hooks are cast onto the step base to prevent vertical movement, then upward displacement of steps is prevented, but manufacturing effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the height-limiting function from the step unit itself and relocates it to the roller axle. By placing the height-limiting device on the roller axle rather than casting hooks into the step base, the solution eliminates the need for additional manufacturing steps while maintaining the prevention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller axle serves as an intermediary element that transfers the height-limiting function from the step unit to the roller support structure. The height-limiting device on the axle interacts with the roller guide rail, creating a simple mechanical stop that prevents vertical movement without requiring complex manufacturing of the step unit itself.
2Reliability
If height limiting devices are added to prevent upward movement, then step stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller axle is given multiple functions: it supports the roller for horizontal movement and simultaneously carries the height-limiting device to prevent vertical movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate height-limiting mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining step stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The height-limiting device is merged with the roller axle assembly rather than being a separate component. This integration reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure while achieving the dual purpose of supporting horizontal movement and preventing vertical displacement.
3Loss of substance
If the step roller axle is used as force transmission means with lateral projection, then material savings are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the roller axle by extending it laterally beyond the roller. This parameter change allows the axle to serve dual purposes and eliminates the need for additional materials, while the precision requirements are managed through standard mechanical tolerances in the roller guide rail interface.
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 effectively prevents vertical movement of escalator steps while reducing material usage and manufacturing effort, offering structural advantages and design flexibility, particularly in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the respective step roller axis is implemented as a force transmission means to counteract an undesired upward vertical movement
Implementation Method 2
the height limiting device defines a height limit stop to prevent an upward vertical movement of the respective step unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an escalator apparatus (10) comprising at least one motor-driveable escalator (11) which has a multiplicity of individual escalator step units (12) which are mounted movably relative to one another, wherein the escalator step units are movable together along a movement path by motor, wherein each escalator step unit (12) has at least one step roller (13), wherein the respective step rollers are mounted about a step roller axis (X13) and are guided by a rail or similar supporting structure (14), wherein the escalator step apparatus (10) has a height-limiting device (15). Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of a height-limiting device (15) in such an escalator apparatus.