Pre-Assembled Escalator Module With Multifunctional Bracket

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method of renovating old escalators by disassembling components into small parts for on-site assembly is time-consuming and costly due to limited space at the installation site, leading to inefficiencies in installation and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A pre-assembled escalator module with a multifunctional connecting bracket that integrates functional components like comb plates, skirt plates, cover plates, and entrance panels, allowing for factory assembly and connection to the module side plate, reducing the need for on-site assembly and installation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the escalator is disassembled into small parts for on-site assembly, then the installation can be completed in limited space, but the installation time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the escalator module in the factory before transportation to the installation site. The module includes pre-installed functional components such as comb plates, skirt plates, cover plates, and entrance panels that are integrated with the module side plates and connecting brackets. This pre-assembly eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site assembly operations while the compact modular design ensures the module can be installed in limited spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functional components (comb plate, skirt plate, cover plate, entrance panel) and structural elements (module side plate, multifunctional connecting bracket) into a single integrated escalator module. This consolidation allows the entire assembly to be transported and installed as one unit, significantly reducing installation time and labor costs while maintaining the ability to fit into constrained installation environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If the escalator is disassembled into small parts for on-site assembly, then the installation can be adapted to limited space, but the assembly accuracy decreases and errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidassembly accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the assembly operations in advance under controlled factory conditions where precision tools, skilled workers, and proper equipment are available. This ensures high assembly accuracy for the integration of functional components with the module side plates and connecting brackets. The pre-assembled module is then transported as a complete unit, eliminating on-site assembly errors while still accommodating limited installation space through its compact modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the functional components are pre-assembled to the module side plate, then the installation time and cost are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidmodule structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multifunctional connecting bracket that serves multiple purposes: it connects the module side plate to the truss, provides mounting interfaces for various functional components (comb plate, skirt plate, cover plate, entrance panel), and ensures proper alignment and positioning. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components and assembly steps, thereby reducing installation complexity despite the pre-integrated nature of the module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4495045B1Pre-assembled escalator module comprising a multifunctional connecting bracket and escalator
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 KONE OYJ
  • EP4495045B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4495045B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4495045B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention provides a pre-assembled escalator module and an escalator, wherein the pre-assembled escalator module comprises: a module side plate; a multifunctional connecting bracket connected to the module side plate; and a functional component which is connected to the multifunctional connecting bracket so as to be connected to the module side plate, and the functional component comprises at least one of a comb plate, a skirt plate, a cover plate or an entrance panel.