Escalator Support Structure Assembly Using 3D Robotic Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing passenger transport systems like escalators and moving walkways face challenges due to their large, bulky nature, which makes them difficult to integrate into existing buildings without damaging the structure and results in high transportation and installation costs, especially when trying to assemble or disassemble the supporting truss structure.
Innovation Solution
A method using a 3D welding robot system to construct the supporting structure between two existing support points, employing a 3D robot control software, weld metal feed device, and forming precise interfaces for other components, allowing for assembly within existing openings without sectioning the structure, and optionally using concrete reinforcement for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the supporting structure is manufactured as a large unit to avoid separation points, then manufacturing time and material expenditure are reduced, but the structure cannot be installed in existing buildings without removing parts of the building envelope
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is divided into multiple sections that can be transported separately through existing building openings and then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows the structure to be installed in existing buildings without removing parts of the building envelope, while still maintaining structural integrity through reinforced interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting structure is divided into sections for easier installation, then adaptability to existing buildings is improved, but each interface requires additional material and reinforcement effort
Solution Approach 1:
Connection elements are pre-integrated into the individual sections during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when sections are assembled on-site, the interfaces are quickly and efficiently connected without requiring extensive additional reinforcement work, reducing both material expenditure and complexity.
3Productivity
If the supporting structure is delivered as a single unit, then assembly time is reduced, but transportation requires large trucks causing road closures and traffic disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is divided into multiple smaller sections that can be transported using standard-sized trucks without causing road closures or traffic disruptions. These sections are then assembled on-site to form the complete supporting structure, eliminating transportation-related harmful factors while maintaining assembly efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing structures are modified to accommodate large components, then installability is improved, but the building structure is damaged and additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is segmented into smaller sections that fit through existing building openings without requiring modifications to the building envelope. This approach preserves the integrity of the existing building structure while enabling installation in existing buildings.
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 the precise construction of supporting structures within existing buildings without damaging the structure, reducing transportation and installation costs by allowing for modular assembly and minimizing rework, while providing a stable framework for further system components.
Implementation Method 1
a 3D welding robot system has at least one controller with 3D robot control software, a driving device with a 3D welding robot, and a weld metal feed device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for erecting a supporting structure (61) of a passenger-transporting system (199) designed as an escalator or moving walkway. The supporting structure (61) is constructed here between two support points (63), (65) of an existing structure (67) by means of a 3D welding robot system (1).