Escalator Step And Riser Cleaning With Interchangeable Service Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maintaining escalators and motorized stairways are labor-intensive and costly, requiring significant time and resources to keep them clean and operational, with existing solutions failing to efficiently service both step and riser portions while the escalators are in motion.
Innovation Solution
A servicing apparatus with a support frame and interchangeable service systems that can be slidably inserted into an upright arm guide, allowing for the cleaning and maintenance of both step and riser portions of movable stairs while in motion, utilizing a sprayer system, brush system, and vacuum system to remove particulate, and a locking mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning methods are used for escalators, then maintenance can be performed, but labor time and costs increase substantially (up to 40 hours weekly)
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is designed to dynamically adapt to the escalator's movement and geometry. The arm guide allows the service system to move freely between planes and orientations, automatically adjusting to the escalator's angle and position, enabling continuous cleaning without stopping the escalator.
Solution Approach 2:
The service system is designed to automatically follow and clean the escalator steps as they move through the cleaning zone. The movable arms and service units self-adjust to maintain contact with the steps and risers, performing cleaning operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention for each step.
2Productivity
If extensive manual servicing is performed, then cleaning coverage can be achieved, but resource costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus combines multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated system. Both step portions and riser portions are cleaned simultaneously by the same apparatus, merging what would otherwise require separate manual operations into one automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The service system is designed with universal applicability to clean different parts of the escalator (steps and risers) with the same apparatus. The interchangeable service systems can be configured to address various cleaning needs, making the equipment versatile and reducing the need for multiple specialized tools.
3Productivity
If the escalator is stopped for maintenance, then thorough cleaning can be performed, but operational time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is positioned and configured in advance to intercept the escalator steps at the appropriate location. The service systems are pre-positioned along the escalator's path, so that cleaning occurs automatically as steps pass through, eliminating the need to stop the escalator for preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation continues uninterrupted as the escalator runs. The apparatus maintains continuous contact with the moving steps and risers, ensuring thorough cleaning without breaking the escalator's operational flow. The service systems continuously clean as long as steps are moving through the cleaning zone.
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 apparatus significantly reduces labor costs and time required for maintenance by allowing simultaneous cleaning of entire widths of step and riser portions during operation, improving safety and reducing the need for manual repositioning, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a sprayer system in communication with the distal portion of the lever and a motor in communication with a brush system to remove particulate from the riser or step portions of each movable stair
Implementation Method 2
a motor in communication with a brush system to remove particulate from the riser or step portions of each movable stair
Implementation Method 3
brush system to remove particulate
Implementation Method 4
the vacuum system comprising a vacuum container and a vacuum motor operable to cause fluids and particulate collected in a brush cover of the brush system to be drawn from the brush system through the hose into the vacuum container
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for simultaneously cleaning riser and step portions of movable stairs in an escalator is disclosed. The system includes a frame comprising a set of guide arms, a set of first service systems movably connected to the frame, and a set of second service systems removably mounted to the frame. The first service system includes a set of interchangeable servicing units. The set of second service systems is optionally interchangeable. The method including the steps of engaging the set of second service systems with each movable stair of the set of movable stairs and simultaneously engaging the set of first service systems with a riser portion of each movable stair of the set of movable stairs and a step portion of each movable stair of the set of movable stairs.