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How to make an escalator

This post outlines the essentials of creating an escalator. It details the necessary materials, the building process, and the uses of an escalator. Essential materials include motors, chains, handrails, treads, and panels. The construction of an escalator involves joining the various elements into a unified, stable unit. The escalator can be used to transport large numbers of people with ease and efficiency, offering savings in both time and energy. With its distinctive design, this unique and useful invention has made significant contributions to the modern world.

It is not the first century that Jess Renoā€™s miracle stairs have made it easier for us to walk. And although the initial task of escalators was to transport powerful passenger flows in subways, train stations and major markets, if the appropriate means are available, there are no fundamental restrictions for their use in a wide variety of premises and outside them. Against the backdrop of crystal chandeliers and heated garden paths, this is not such a big luxury. And in some cases ā€“ in medical institutions or apartments with disabled people, in offices whose staff is forced to constantly move from floor to floor, in rooms where continuous cyclic inspection is performed (for example, electrical installations located on different floors) by the personnel on duty ā€“ and at all an absolutely necessary device. Elevators, although they require less space and money, cannot be compared with escalators in terms of convenience, efficiency and throughput.

At present, escalators are industrially produced in lengths from 3 to 75 meters and cost, respectively, from several thousand to one million US dollars. Their load capacity, speed and smoothness of movement, length, width and height of steps, climatic performance, noise characteristics, decoration, lighting, design details also vary within wide limits. The tilt angle can reach 35 degrees for relatively low lifting heights (up to 7 meters) and 30 degrees for long escalators.

Thus, you can always choose (or order an exclusive) mechanism for any conceivable application: connecting floors or terraces in a park, lifting people to the head of a statue being examined or from the water of a pool ā€¦ It is difficult to recommend such a complex engineering structure for homemade production (although history knows cases when planes were assembled alone in the garage). But a brief overview of the technical problems encountered in the design and maintenance of escalators will also help when buying a ready-made: it is always useful to know which parameters to pay attention to, and what determines the cost of the product.

Classic escalator designis a set of trolley steps, mounted on a traction chain in such a way that each step carries the load only from the weight of people directly on it, and the total effort falls on the chain and reaches its maximum at its highest point. A special force acting on both the chain and the undercarriage of the bogies occurs when it is bent around the drive sprocket and significantly exceeds the average tension from the payload. It is inversely proportional to the link length and bend radius. Likewise, the longitudinal ā€œjitterā€ depends on these parameters, which reduces the comfort of passengers and the life of the escalator. But the link length cannot be reduced for strength reasons. As a result, on large escalators, the drive sprocket diameter exceeds 2 meters. Consequently, a huge torque is required on the shaft, which means a huge gearbox.

Itself trolley stepmust withstand a force over 600 kg (at the bend of the chain). Moreover, the total backlash of its moving parts cannot exceed 0.4 mm. As a result, the cost of one step of an ordinary metro escalator (ET-2, ET-3) is about 10,000 rubles..

Of course, almost all of the problems outlined are greatly simplified when moving to smaller sizes and capacities. When the length of the escalator is measured not in tens, but in units of meters, the design load is not 2 people for each step, but 5 people in total ā€¦ This changes things. Up to the transition from quantitative to qualitative changes: instead of rumbling chains and metal carts, there are polymer parts (light, cheap, in many cases do not require lubrication), instead of jerking gears, smooth friction clutches, and so on. Even with a purely quantitative (without changing the schematic diagram) decrease in the load capacity and length by 2 times, the power consumed by the escalator decreases by 4-5 times, the cost ā€“ by about 4 times. If we get to a qualitative leap, changes are measured in orders.

Even more fundamental changes in design (and price) occur when moving to angles of rise less than 12-15 degrees. At the same time, it is possible to completely abandon the steps. Such mechanisms are called travelators or (at very small angles) passenger conveyors. Their working blade is a flat (of course, with a large roughness and non-slippery coating) polymer or hinged metal tape. Often (with an appropriate distance to walls and surrounding objects), handrails can not be used on travolators. In many cases, they are more convenient than escalators (when transporting goods, carts, baby strollers and wheelchairs), more economical and quieter. The only drawback is that they occupy a large area to ensure lifting to the same height, and are used, respectively, only in huge rooms or in open spaces, except for those cases when the difference in the height of the connected levels is quite insignificant..

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Comments: 4
  1. Tatum

    Can you explain the step-by-step process of making an escalator? Iā€™m curious about the engineering and mechanical aspects involved in constructing such a complex transportation system.

    Reply
    1. Bella Mitchell

      Constructing an escalator involves several engineering and mechanical steps. Here is a simplified step-by-step process:

      1. Design: Engineers analyze the space and requirements to determine the ideal location, size, and capacity of the escalator. They consider factors like traffic, building codes, and safety regulations.

      2. Foundation: The buildingā€™s structure must support the escalatorā€™s weight and vibrations. Contractors reinforce the foundation to ensure stability and structural integrity.

      3. Pit and Truss Installation: A pit is dug beneath the floor level to accommodate the lower machinery. Contractors install a support truss above the opening, serving as the backbone to hold the escalator.

      4. Steps and Handrails: The steps, usually made of metal, are built and attached to a continuous chain loop. Balustrades are installed alongside the steps to guide passengers, incorporating handrails for safety.

      5. Drive Mechanism: The escalatorā€™s motor, gearbox, and drive chains are installed. The motor powers the stepsā€™ movement, transferring rotational power to the chains and driving the escalator.

      6. Electrical System: Technicians connect electrical wiring, sensors, and control panels to ensure proper functioning of the escalator. Safety features like emergency stop buttons and overload sensors are integrated.

      7. Balustrades and Cladding: Contractors install the balustrades, typically made of glass or metal, as well as any architectural cladding required to enhance the aesthetics of the escalator.

      8. Testing and Certification: Extensive testing is conducted to ensure the escalator meets safety standards, load capacities, and operational requirements. Proper certifications are obtained before opening to the public.

      9. Maintenance and Operations: Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial for the escalatorā€™s safe and efficient operation. Technicians monitor mechanical components, lubricate parts, and conduct repairs as needed to ensure passenger safety.

      Note: The above steps are simplifications, and the actual process may vary based on specific escalator models and manufacturers.

      Reply
      1. Caleb Montgomery

        Constructing an escalator is a complex process that involves careful planning and execution. Engineers design the escalator based on factors like space, traffic, and safety regulations. Once the foundation is prepared, the pit and truss are installed to support the escalator structure. Steps and handrails are added, followed by the drive mechanism and electrical system. Balustrades and cladding enhance the escalatorā€™s appearance. Extensive testing is done to certify its safety and functionality. Regular maintenance ensures smooth operation. Each step is crucial in creating a safe and efficient escalator for public use.

        Reply
  2. Samuel Price

    Iā€™m curious to know if anyone can enlighten us on the process of constructing an escalator. How are these incredible machines manufactured and installed? What are the key components and safety measures involved in their creation? It would be fascinating to understand the intricacies behind making an escalator that safely transports people vertically.

    Reply
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