Modular Variable-Speed Walkways Without Pit Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional moving walkways are limited to walking speeds and lack the ability to accelerate or decelerate efficiently, leading to inefficiencies in passenger transport and connectivity, particularly in large venues and public transit hubs.
Innovation Solution
A modular belt-type system with interchangeable modules that can accelerate to speeds up to 7 m/s, equipped with sensors and control systems for safe operation, energy efficiency, and connectivity, eliminating the need for a pit structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional moving walkways are used, then they can transport passengers, but they are limited to walking speeds and cannot accelerate efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The moving walkway system employs variable speed modules that can dynamically adjust their speed between acceleration phases and constant speed phases. Each module is capable of accelerating to speeds greater than walking speed (up to 7 m/s) and then decelerating to walking speed at egress points, allowing the system to adapt its speed profile to maximize passenger transport efficiency while maintaining safety and comfort.
2Productivity
If conventional moving walkways operate at high speed, then productivity increases, but safety control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The moving walkway is divided into multiple independent variable speed modules that can be controlled separately. Each module has its own speed control system allowing individual acceleration and deceleration, which enables the system to maintain safety through distributed control while achieving high overall productivity through coordinated operation of multiple modules at different speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control systems in each module that provide real-time feedback on speed, position, and operational status. This feedback mechanism enables automatic speed adjustment and coordination between modules, ensuring safe operation at high speeds through continuous monitoring and adaptive control.
3Ease of manufacture
If a pit structure is used for moving walkways, then installation is standardized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the traditional pit structure from the moving walkway system. Instead of requiring embedded pit installations, the modules are designed to connect atop the ground surface, simplifying the installation process and reducing structural complexity while maintaining the functionality and reliability of the moving walkway system.
4Device complexity
If modules connect atop the ground, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The module connection system incorporates dynamic alignment and locking mechanisms that automatically adjust and secure modules when connected atop the ground. The connection structure includes adjustable leveling feet and interlocking features that ensure stable and reliable connections without requiring embedded pit structures, maintaining both simplicity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A pitless and modular belt-type accelerating moving walkway transit system including at least three substantially identical walkway modules that are leveled and positioned atop a surface such as the ground, floor, road or deck. Each module has an endless belt moving at a different or the same speed wherein the at least three walkway modules are positioned linearly adjacent. Each module having one or more electric motors operably connected to an electrical source and handrails on opposing sides that move in synchrony with the endless belt of the same module.