Abstract
An escalator brake system composed of an operational brake and an auxiliary brake is one of the most critical components that directly influence passenger safety. Therefore, understanding the braking performance of an escalator system at the early design stage is imperative. In this article, the application of multibody dynamics simulation for escalator industry is discussed. This study proposes an efficient multibody dynamics simulation modeling approach that considers the dynamic effects of a step band, handrail band, and passenger traffic load, which requires considerable computational resources when the conventional method is employed. The approach also covers a comprehensive simulation modeling of drive machine with gearbox, main drive chain band, operational brake system, and auxiliary brake system to evaluate the escalator’s braking performance at the system level. The simulation model is verified with actual measurement data and employed to investigate potential worst case braking scenarios. The dynamic influences of these braking scenarios on the escalator system are discussed as a result.
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This paper was presented at the Joint Conference of the 3rd IMSD and the 7th ACMD, Busan, Korea, June, 2014. Recommended by Guest Editor Sung-Soo Kim and Jin Hwan Choi
Chan Jong Park obtained a Ph.D. in Multi-Flexible Body System Dynamics from Ajou University in Republic of Korea. He is currently working for Escalator System and Innovation Centre as a project manager for technology in OTIS Vienna, Austria. His interests include dynamics, vibration and optimization for heavy duty machinery, transportation and vehicle systems.
Gero Gschwendtner has nearly 20 years of experience in the elevator and escalator industry. He has been working as director of escalator engineering and codes for OTIS and responsible for escalator engineering centers in Austria, Czech Republic and China since 2005. Moreover, he is globally in charge of codes and standards for elevator and escalator since 2013. He is a representative at several CEN and ISO Code Committees and is in charge of the escalator safety standards within CEN.
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Park, C.J., Gschwendtner, G. Braking performance analysis of an escalator system using multibody dynamics simulation technology. J Mech Sci Technol 29, 2645–2651 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-015-0510-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-015-0510-6