Modular Drive Belt Segments for People Conveyor Maintenance

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing drive elements for people conveyors, such as escalators and moving walkways, require customization based on conveyor length, leading to complex handling and maintenance due to their considerable length and the need for complete replacement if damaged.

Innovation Solution

A modular drive belt system comprising interconnected segments with connectors and cords, allowing for adjustable length and easy replacement of damaged sections, enhancing handling and maintenance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a customized drive element is provided for every people conveyor based on conveyor length, then the drive element fits the specific application requirements, but the handling and transportation become complicated due to considerable length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization to conveyor lengthVSAvoidhandling and transportation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drive belt is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected together. Each segment has standardized connectors at its ends, allowing multiple segments to be assembled into a complete drive belt of required length. This segmentation enables the drive belt to be transported in manageable pieces and then assembled on-site, resolving the handling difficulty while maintaining length adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a complete drive belt is replaced when a portion is damaged, then the reliability is maintained, but the loss of time and resources increases due to replacement of the entire belt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive belt functionalityVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drive belt is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected together. Each segment has standardized connectors at its ends, allowing multiple segments to be assembled into a complete drive belt of required length. This segmentation enables the drive belt to be transported in manageable pieces and then assembled on-site, resolving the handling difficulty while maintaining length adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of replacing the entire drive belt when a portion is damaged, only the damaged segment needs to be replaced. The functional segments can be recovered and reused by connecting a new segment to the existing functional segments, significantly reducing replacement time and resource consumption while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If a complete drive belt is replaced when a portion is damaged, then the reliability is maintained, but the resource consumption increases due to disposal of functional segments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive belt functionalityVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of replacing the entire drive belt when a portion is damaged, only the damaged segment needs to be replaced. The functional segments can be recovered and reused by connecting a new segment to the existing functional segments, significantly reducing replacement time and resource consumption while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS10843903B2Drive belt for a people conveyor

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

AI summary

A drive belt segment (22) for forming a drive belt (20), in particular an endless drive belt (20) configured to be employed in a people conveyor (1), has two opposing ends and extends in a longitudinal direction between the two opposing ends. Each end is provided with a connector (30) which is configured for being connected to a corresponding connector (30) of the same or another drive belt segment (22) for forming an endless drive belt (20).