V-Shaped Alignment Joints for Escalator Support Section Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger transport systems, such as escalators and moving walkways, require significant time and skilled labor for precise alignment and assembly of sectioned supporting structures due to space constraints and the need for manual adjustment of connecting elements, which complicates installation.
Innovation Solution
A supporting structure design featuring alignment devices with complementary V-shaped projections and recesses that automatically align structural sections laterally during assembly, allowing for precise alignment without extensive manual adjustment, using machined sheet metal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional connecting elements with bolt holes are used, then structural strength is maintained, but alignment precision deteriorates due to manual adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device enables self-alignment of structural sections through its geometric design. The first alignment part with recess and second alignment part with projection automatically guide the positioning of connecting elements, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments while maintaining assembly simplicity and structural strength.
2Productivity
If sectioned supporting structure is used, then transportability is improved, but assembly time increases due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device is pre-configured on the connecting elements before assembly. The geometric features (recess and projection) are prepared in advance on the alignment parts, enabling rapid self-alignment during assembly without requiring time-consuming manual positioning adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device allows the structural sections to self-align during assembly through their geometric interaction. The complementary recess and projection features automatically guide the connecting elements into correct positioning, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If conical bolt with slight taper is used, then automatic fine-tuning is achieved, but visibility and alignment accuracy deteriorate due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device acts as an intermediary component between the structural sections. The first alignment part with recess and second alignment part with projection provide a visible and accessible interface that guides the assembly process, improving both alignment accuracy and ease of operation compared to concealed conical bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device incorporates visible geometric features (recess and projection) that can be easily detected and manipulated during assembly. These visible features enable assembly personnel to quickly locate and align the connecting elements, improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support structure (11) of a passenger transport system (1) which is in the form of an escalator or moving walkway and has an alignment device (40) for two support structure sections (13, 15) of the support structure (11) to be connected to one another. The alignment device (40) has: a first alignment part (41) having a fastening region (43) and a recess (45); and a second alignment part (42) having a fastening region (43) and a projection (44), a contour (47) of the projection (44) being complementary to a contour (47) of the recess (45). The projection and/or the recess also has a V-shape.