Escalator Steps with Angled Side Flanges for Entrapment Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional escalators lack effective solutions to prevent entrapment of objects between moving steps and stationary panels, particularly in transition zones, due to the inherent relative motion and overlapping of steps, which previous designs like moveable side panels and vertical planar step risers have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
An escalator system with vertical step risers and side flanges that form continuous barriers to prevent entrapment, featuring a varying length drive mechanism and angled flanges that maintain intermeshing of steps without horizontal acceleration, minimizing the likelihood of objects being trapped between moving and stationary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If moveable side panels and flanges are used to reduce entrapment risk, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases and the solution becomes impractical for manufacturing and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the step side flanges moveable rather than fixed. The flanges are attached to the step chain and move with the steps through the transition zones, automatically adjusting their position to maintain the safety barrier while accommodating step movement. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by providing safety without requiring complex fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by integrating the side flanges directly onto the step chain structure. The flanges are positioned within the step assembly and move together with the steps, creating a compact integrated system. This nesting approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the entrapment prevention function.
2Reliability
If a fixed single member step side flange is added, then entrapment protection is improved, but it interferes with adjacent flanges during step overlap in transition zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the side flanges dynamic rather than fixed. Each flange is attached to its respective step and moves with the step through the transition zones. When steps overlap during transitions, the flanges naturally adjust their positions relative to each other, preventing interference while maintaining continuous entrapment protection.
3Reliability
If horizontal movement between curved step riser and cleated trailing edge is addressed with vertical planar step riser, then entrapment risk is reduced, but the solution was not introduced into marketplace indicating manufacturing or operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing vertical planar step risers specifically at critical locations where entrapment risk is highest, rather than changing the entire step structure. The side flanges are positioned at the edges of the steps where they most effectively prevent entrapment between steps and stationary panels, providing targeted protection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An escalator system with vertical step risers and side flanges includes a plurality of escalator steps, at least one varying length drive mechanism, a first decking, and a second decking. Each of the plurality of escalator steps includes an elongated step body, a first step mounted angled flange, and a second step mounted angled flange. The elongated step body transports passengers along the escalator path. The first step mounted angled flange and the second step mounted angled flange connect to form continuous barriers that prevent entrapment of objects between the moving steps and stationary panels. The at least one varying length drive mechanism prevents horizontal movement between each of the plurality of escalator steps traveling along the passenger side, thereby preventing entrapment of objects between adjacent steps. The first decking and the second decking partially cover the first step mounted angled flange and the second step mounted angled flange.