Student Invents Energy Efficient Escalator That Also Transports Wheelchairs

BY Cliff KuangMon Jun 29, 2009 at 2:33 PM

The new escalator has moving plates that join to form a platform for the wheelchair-bound.

For his final graduate thesis, Jesús Sánchez, an industrial-design student at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, invented an elegant solution to the problem of mobility for the disabled, which he expects would pay for itself by reducing operating costs by 35%.

The most obviously clever part of the design is its steps. Normally, the escalator's steps are of a standard width. But at the push of a button, three steps come together, to create a platform that's perfectly sized for a wheelchair.

As Sánchez points out, such a dual-purpose escalator could present significant cost savings for builders who would otherwise have to install an elevator. But that's only where the savings begin. Most escalators are discrete from one another--the up escalator doesn't share any systems with the down escalator next to it. But Sánchez designed a linkage that allows the up and down escalators to run on the same belt, gaining operating efficiency. The trick was engineering steps that could make the turn at the top and bottom of the escalator bank--much like the kinks you see on the baggage conveyor belts at the airport.

Sánchez, who already holds a patent on the design, is now seeking out investors who'll commercialize his idea.

[Via Science Daily]

Topics:

Design, Escalators, Disability, Handicap, Jesús Sánchez, Ethonomics, Design for the elderly, Design for the disabled. Wheelchairs, Innovation, Technology, BMW AG, ScienceDaily LLC, Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

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Recent Comments | 4 Total

June 30, 2009 at 11:02am by Louann Oravec

This is a cool idea, I hope this will be put into operation. The wheelchair lift now sometimes do not work.

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July 5, 2009 at 6:47am by Mo Raja

Good idea but I dont really see it going mainstream. Escalators are also vastly used by the lazy but "able" ones. And by the way, the man on the wheelchair doesnt look very secure. If the wheels were to roll backwords??? I dont want to even think of what will happen next.

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July 7, 2009 at 12:33pm by Britt Beamly

Great Idea! I believe it is time to look at every piece of equipment as an opportunity to incorporate energy efficiency. The less we use, the energy we need to produce from clean or dirty fuels.

This product would be helpful in solving the MTA's current problem with maintenance on existing escalators in subway stations. "Escalators are one of the most difficult things for the agency to fix, and the MTA hasn't historically gone after private developers with defective elevators or escalators." If this product can easily or cheaply be maintainted I think it could help replace all old escalators and elevators in the NYC subway system.

Hey Jesús Sánchez, give Zeckendorf Towers, the company that built the Union Square escalators and "recently agreed to pony up for the millions of dollar in repairs" a call. I think you could have a sale before you know it.

Quoted article: http://weblogs.amny.com/entertainment/urbanite/blog/2009/07/subway_escal...

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October 2, 2009 at 2:40am by Keith Russel

Lifts and escalators for disabled and handicapped people is a growing necessity as our world becomes more automated we also have to make our designs keeping in mind such people who have mobility problems. Lift companies, those who are in the business of making lifts, escalators and elevators must design them for disabled people too.

Keith,

Lift companies

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