Escalator Handrail Cooling With Peltier Roller Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Escalator and moving walkway handrails heat up due to solar radiation, leading to uncomfortable and potentially hazardous conditions, with existing cooling solutions being noisy, energy-intensive, and requiring consumables.

Innovation Solution

A handrail temperature-control device featuring a semiconductor cooling element, such as a Peltier element, integrated with a roller arrangement and a thermally conductive base, which allows for efficient heat transfer and minimal friction, and includes a temperature-regulating module to maintain a comfortable handrail temperature without consumables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional cooling systems (air conditioners, alcohol spray) are used to cool the handrail, then the handrail temperature is reduced, but the systems generate high noise levels and require continuous consumables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandrail temperatureVSAvoidnoise and consumable requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical cooling systems (air conditioners with fans, spray systems with pumps) with a semiconductor cooling element that uses the Peltier effect. This solid-state device eliminates moving parts, fan noise, and the need for consumables like alcohol, while directly cooling the handrail through thermal conduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the cooling approach from phase-change methods (evaporative cooling with alcohol) or forced convection (air conditioners) to direct thermal conduction using a semiconductor element. This parameter change in the cooling mechanism eliminates the need for consumables and reduces noise while maintaining effective temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If air conditioners with fans are used to cool the handrail, then cooling is achieved, but energy consumption is high and cooling time is long due to small temperature differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandrail temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces energy-intensive air conditioning systems with a semiconductor cooling element that directly transfers heat from the handrail to a heat sink. This eliminates the need for fans, compressors, and large temperature differentials, significantly reducing energy consumption while achieving faster cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The semiconductor cooling element acts as an intermediary between the handrail and the ambient environment, providing efficient heat transfer through direct thermal conduction. This intermediary mechanism is far more energy-efficient than conventional air conditioning that relies on large temperature differentials and mechanical airflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If alcohol spray systems are used for evaporative cooling, then the handrail is cooled, but continuous consumables are required and maintenance time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandrail temperatureVSAvoidconsumable alcohol

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the alcohol spray system with a solid-state semiconductor cooling element. This eliminates the need for liquid consumables entirely, as the semiconductor device directly transfers heat through solid thermal conduction, requiring no spray mechanisms, reservoirs, or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The semiconductor cooling element is a self-contained device that requires no external consumables or maintenance. It autonomously transfers heat from the handrail to the heat sink through the Peltier effect, eliminating the need for continuous alcohol supply and associated maintenance activities.

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

The solution effectively reduces handrail temperature, minimizing the risk of burns and energy consumption while eliminating noise and the need for consumables, providing a comfortable user experience and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

a semiconductor cooling element (19), arranged in a recess (39) between the base (15) and the roller arrangement (13)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A handrail temperature-control device featuring a semiconductor cooling element, such as a Peltier element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 3

a roller arrangement (13), which can be arranged on the base (15)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Data Source

PatentUS20240409374A1Temperature-control device for a handrail of an escalator or a moving walkway

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 INVENTIO AG

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a handrail temperature-control device for a handrail of an escalator or a moving walkway. The handrail temperature-control device has a base, a roller arrangement which is arranged on the base, and a semiconductor cooling element, the semiconductor cooling element being arranged in a recess between the base and the roller arrangement.