Belt-Driven Escalator Support Belt Reducing Chain Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional escalators with step chains experience wear-induced elongation, leading to reduced ride comfort and increased torque requirements for the drive system, which also increases the escalator's footprint.
Innovation Solution
The use of a support belt to provide perpendicular support to the escalator steps via the drive belt, reducing the need for direct support through step tracks and improving ride comfort by distributing the load more evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of links in the step chain is reduced to minimize wear-induced elongation, then chain wear is reduced, but ride comfort deteriorates and a larger drive sprocket is required
Solution Approach 1:
A support belt is introduced as an intermediary element between the drive belt and the step chain. The support belt runs parallel to and supports the drive belt, distributing the load more evenly across multiple points. This allows the step chain to have fewer links while maintaining ride comfort, as the support belt compensates for the reduced chain support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the support system by adding a continuous support belt rather than relying solely on discrete chain links. This parameter change allows for reduced chain link count while maintaining or improving ride comfort through continuous support.
2Reliability
If a larger drive sprocket is used to accommodate fewer chain links, then chain wear is reduced, but the escalator footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support belt acts as a mediator that enables the use of a smaller drive sprocket. By providing continuous support along the belt path, the support belt allows the drive sprocket to be smaller while still maintaining reliable operation and minimizing chain wear, thus reducing the escalator footprint.
3Ease of operation
If direct support through step tracks is reduced or eliminated, then the belt support structure becomes necessary, but this increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support belt serves multiple functions: it supports the drive belt, distributes load evenly, reduces stress concentrations, and enables reduced direct track support. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive benefits across multiple performance parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The support belt is implemented as a flexible continuous element (thin film) that provides support along its entire length. This flexible structure is simpler than rigid support mechanisms and provides superior ride comfort through continuous, smooth support.
Data Source
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AI summary
A belt-driven escalator (2) is provide which comprises a plurality of escalator steps (4) arranged to travel along an inclined conveyance path (101), a drive belt (10) connected to the plurality of escalator steps (4), a drive system (24) arranged to drive the drive belt (10) so as to propel the plurality of escalator steps (4) along the inclined conveyance path (101); and a belt support structure (22). The belt support structure (22) comprises a plurality of support wheels (206) and a support belt (212) extending over the plurality of support wheels (206). The support belt (212) is arranged to provide support to the plurality of escalator steps (4) via the drive belt (10).