People Conveyor Handrail Power Control via Transverse Force Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing people conveyor systems, such as escalators and moving walkways, face challenges in efficiently determining and managing the power required for driving handrail elements, which can lead to increased energy consumption and reduced handrail lifetime due to inadequate monitoring and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating at least one force sensor configured to detect forces exerted by the handrail element transversely to its direction of movement, allowing for real-time power calculation and remote preventive maintenance, thereby reducing energy consumption and extending the handrail's lifetime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the handrail element is driven with higher power to ensure reliable operation, then the reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandrail element operation reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption for driving handrail

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the driving power parameters based on real-time force sensor data. By monitoring the actual force required to drive the handrail element and comparing it against threshold values, the control system optimizes power consumption while ensuring reliable operation. This resolves the contradiction by transitioning from fixed high-power operation to adaptive parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where force sensors continuously monitor the driving force of the handrail element, and this information is fed back to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to detect unusual conditions and adjust operation accordingly, enabling reliable operation with optimized energy consumption rather than requiring continuously high power input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the handrail element is monitored continuously to detect unusual conditions, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandrail element operation reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces force sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure the driving force of the handrail element. Rather than implementing complex direct monitoring of multiple handrail parameters, the system uses these sensor intermediaries to detect unusual conditions through force variations, simplifying the overall monitoring system while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring mechanisms with force sensing technology. By using force sensors to detect unusual conditions through force variations, the system achieves reliable monitoring with reduced mechanical complexity compared to traditional mechanical switches or distortion elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the handrail element operates without monitoring to reduce device complexity, then the ease of operation is improved, but the lifetime of the handrail element decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidhandrail element lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service monitoring where the force sensors and control unit automatically detect unusual conditions and trigger appropriate responses without requiring manual intervention. This maintains ease of operation while extending handrail element lifetime through early detection and preventive maintenance, allowing the system to service itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 accurate and real-time monitoring of handrail driving power, allowing for early detection of unusual conditions and minimizing damage, resulting in reduced energy consumption and extended handrail element lifetime.

Implementation Method 1

at least one force sensor (18a, 18b) which is configured for detecting a force (F) which is exerted by the at least one handrail element (6) in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the at least one handrail element (6)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3473577B1People conveyor and method of determining power for driving a handrail element of a people conveyor

Publication Date: 2022.08.17 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

A people conveyor (2), which is configured for conveying passengers by at least one conveyance band (8) travelling along a closed loop, comprises at least one handrail element (6) which is configured for moving parallel to the at least one conveyance band (8) along a travel path forming a closed loop; and at least one force sensor (18a, 18b), which is configured for detecting a force (FS1, FS2) exerted by the at least one handrail element (6) in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the at least one handrail element (6) and for providing a corresponding force signal.