Moving Walkway Turnaround Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional moving walkways require additional space for turnaround portions due to the design of guide rails and roller configurations, which limits space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The moving walkway design allows free movement of second rollers in turnaround portions by using different guide rail portions and arranging rollers and belts above or below the pallets, reducing the diameter of turnaround portions and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional guide rail and roller configurations are used, then the moving walkway is stable and functional, but additional space is required for turnaround portions
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail system is segmented into different portions: a first guide rail portion that guides both first and second rollers, and a second guide rail portion that guides only the first roller. This segmentation allows the second roller to move freely in the turnaround portion while maintaining stability in the conveyance portion, thereby reducing the space required for turnaround portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support configuration is made dynamic by allowing the second roller to move freely along the guide rail in the turnaround portion, while maintaining fixed guidance in the conveyance portion. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to accommodate the spatial constraints of tight turnaround portions without compromising operational stability.
2Area of stationary object
If the diameter of turnaround portions is reduced, then space efficiency is improved, but the guide rail and roller configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is divided into functionally distinct segments: a first guide rail portion for conveying portions that provides guidance for both rollers, and a second guide rail portion for turnaround portions that allows free movement of the second roller. This segmentation enables compact turnaround portions while maintaining simplicity in each individual segment's design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different guide rail configurations are applied locally to different portions of the moving walkway. The first guide rail portion uses a configuration suitable for stable conveyance, while the second guide rail portion uses a configuration optimized for compact turnaround. This local optimization reduces overall device complexity by applying the right level of constraint in the right location.
Data Source
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AI summary
A moving walkway (1) comprises at least one endless belt (12) moving in a conveyance direction along a closed loop. The closed loop comprises a conveyance portion (16) and a return portion (18) extending between opposite turnaround portions (5, 7). A plurality of pallets (20) is drivingly coupled to the belt (12). Each of the pallets (20) comprises at least one first roller (22) and at least one second roller (24), the first and second rollers (24) being spaced apart from each other in the conveyance direction. The moving walkway (1) further comprises at least one first guide rail portion (34) and at least one second guide rail portion (36). The at least one first guide rail portion (34) is configured for guiding and supporting the first rollers (22) in the conveyance portion (16) and in the turnaround portions (5, 7), and the at least one second guide rail portion (36) is configured for guiding and supporting the second rollers (24) in the conveyance portion (16) and allowing free movement of the second rollers (24) in the turnaround portions (5, 7).