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ESCALATOR
Engineering Utilities II
TABLE OF CONTENT
1 DEFINITION

2 BRIEF HISTORY
OPERATING
3 PRINCIPLES

TYPES OF
4 ESCALATORS
TABLE OF CONTENT
COMPONENTS OF
5 AN ESCALATOR

DESIGN
6 CONSIDERATIONS
1.
DEFINITION
 ESCALATOR

An escalator is a moving staircase which carries people

between floors of a building or structure. It consists of a motor-
driven chain of individually linked steps on a track which cycle on
a pair of tracks which keep the step tread horizontal.
2.
BRIEF
HISTORY
 HISTORY
Lemon Souder successfully
patented the “stairway”, an
analogous device that featured a
“SERIES OF STEPS AND LINKS
JOINTED TO EACH OTHER”.
Charles Seeberger - drawings on
a form of escalator(Similarly to
Wheeler in 1892). Consisted of flat,
moving stairs, not the same w/
escalators today.

1859 1889 1892 1895

Nathan Ames is credited w/ Jesse w. Reno - “ENDLESS

patenting the FIRST CONVEYOR OR ELEVATOR”
ESCALATOR which is the George A. Wheeler - ideas for a
“Revolving Stairs” more recognizable moving
staircase, though it was never
built.
 New York-based Peelle Company - Motorstair
Westinghouse - Electric Stairway Karl-Heinz Pahl received a
Toledo-based Haughton Elevator company- EUROPEAN AND A US PATENT
Moving Stairs FOR SPIRAL ESCALATOR.

1898 1900's 1906 1992 1995

Piat installed its “STEPLESS
ESCALATOR” in Harrods
Knights bridge store
Jesse Reno also designed the first
The World’s First Practical Spiral
escalator in the underground
escalator was installed in Osaka,
subway system in the form of a
Japan which is a Mitsubishi
HELICAL ESCALATOR at Holloway
model.
Road tube station in London.
3.
OPERATING
PRINCIPLES
 OPERATING PRINCIPLES

- Escalators operate on a few key

principles. They typically rise at an angle of
about 30 degrees from the ground and
move at a speed of 0.3-0.6 metres per
second, allowing them to cover vertical
distances of over 18 metres. The steps,
usually made of single-piece aluminum or
stainless steel, move on a system of tracks
in a continuous loop.
 OPERATING PRINCIPLES
The layout of escalators can be categorized
into three types:
1. Parallel: Up and down escalators are
adjacent or nearby, commonly seen in
metro stations and multilevel movie
theaters.
2. Multiple Parallel: More than one escalator
going in the same direction is parallel to
others going in the opposite direction.
 OPERATING PRINCIPLES
The layout of escalators can be categorized
into three types:
1. Parallel: Up and down escalators are
adjacent or nearby, commonly seen in
metro stations and multilevel movie
theaters.
2. Multiple Parallel: More than one escalator
going in the same direction is parallel to
others going in the opposite direction.
 OPERATING PRINCIPLES
3. Crisscross: Escalators going in one
direction are ‘stacked’ with escalators going in
the opposite direction, oriented adjacent but
perpendicular, frequently used in department
stores or shopping centers.

Most countries require escalators to have

moving handrails that keep pace with the
movement of the steps as a safety measure.
This helps riders steady themselves, especially
when stepping onto the moving stairs.
 OPERATING PRINCIPLES
Occasionally a handrail moves at a slightly
different speed from the steps, causing it to creep
slowly forward or backward relative to the steps;
it is only slippage and normal wear that causes
such losses of synchronicity and is not by design.
The direction of escalator movement (up or
down) can be permanently set, controlled
manually depending on the predominant flow of
the crowd, or controlled automatically. In some
setups, the direction is controlled by whoever
arrives first.
4.
TYPES OF
ESCALATORS
 STEP TYPE
ESCALATOR
The Step Type Escalator is a
common form of escalator with
steps usually made of metal. Its
movement pattern is upward, then
flat, and then downward, and vice
versa. This design is considered
safer than most other forms of
escalators. The steps are composed
of a horizontal plate called “Step
Tread Surface” and a vertical
curved plate called “Step Riser”,
creating a stair shape.
 STEP TYPE
ESCALATOR
 LEVYTATOR
ESCALATOR
It is a revolutionary escalator that
can follow freeform curves, unlike
traditional escalators. Its design
uses curved modules in a
continuous loop, allowing it to
operate with a single power source
for both ascending and descending
paths. This unique feature not only
provides architectural flexibility
but also contributes to energy
efficiency and ease of
maintenance.
LEVYTATOR
ESCALATOR
 WHEELCHAIR
ACCESSIBLE
ESCALATOR
It is is a standard escalator with
special provisions for wheelchair
users. It forms a platform with
spikes when a wheelchair user
steps on, preventing the
wheelchair from rolling off. This
unique design enhances mobility
for physically challenged
individuals and the elderly within a
building.
WHEELCHAIR
ACCESSIBLE
ESCALATOR
 SPIRAL
ESCALATOR

The Spiral Escalator is a distinctive

design that moves in a spiral or
helical path, providing a unique
riding experience. . It’s exclusively
manufactured by Mitsubishi
Electric and can curve to the left
or right. The design of it efficiently
utilizes space and enhances the
aesthetics of a building.
 SPIRAL
ESCALATOR
5.
COMPONENTS
OF AN
ESCALATOR
 LANDING PLATFORMS

Landing platforms are the flat areas at the top and

bottom of the escalator where passengers enter or
exit. They provide a safe and stable transition between
the escalator and the surrounding floor level.
COMPONENTS OF AN ESCALATOR
 TRUSS

The truss is the structural framework that supports

the steps, handrail, and other moving components of
the escalator. It is a critical element for maintaining
the stability and integrity of the entire escalator
system.
COMPONENTS OF AN ESCALATOR
 BALUSTRADE

The balustrade is the protective barrier on each side

of the escalator that prevents passengers from
accidentally falling off. It typically consists of a series
of vertical supports and a handrail, providing a secure
enclosure along the entire length of the moving steps.
COMPONENTS OF AN ESCALATOR
 HANDRAIL
The handrail is a continuous loop that moves along
with the escalator steps, providing support for
passengers to hold onto while riding. It enhances
safety and stability, allowing passengers to maintain
balance and stability during the escalator journey.
 BALLUSTRADE PANEL
Being made of either metal, sandwich panel, or glass,
the balustrade panel supports the handrails of the
escalator. It also provides additional protection for
the handrail and passengers. Some escalators have
direction arrows on the ends of the balustrade.
Escalators' on/off buttons are frequently located at
the ends of the balustrade. Moving walkways often use
balustrades in the same way.
 SKIRT PANEL
The bottom of the balustrade is called a skirt panel. It
is notorious in this art for being a frequent site of
injuries and failures, due to the possible entrapment
of materials (including body parts) in the machinery.
Multiple solutions have been suggested for this issue,
including coating with a low-friction material,
employing bristles, and others.
 TRACKS
The track system integrated into the truss guides a
continuous loop of steps, pulled by the step chain from the
bottom platform to the top of the escalator. Two tracks, the
step-wheel track for front wheels and the trailer-wheel track
for back wheels, converge at the top and bottom, aligning
the step wheels in a nearly straight line. The steps descend
along the truss's underside until reaching the bottom
landing, passing through a curved track before exiting. The
tracks then separate, and the steps revert to a staircase
configuration, repeating the cycle perpetually.
 STEPS
The steps in escalators are made of a solid, one-piece, die-cast
aluminum or steel material, often marked with yellow lines for
edge indication. Post-1950 escalator models typically have
cleated (ribbed) risers and treads, featuring comb-like
protrusions that interlock with comb plates on platforms and
connecting steps. Unlike Seeberger escalators with flat treads,
other models combine cleated treads with smooth risers. These
steps are connected by a continuous metal chain, forming a
closed loop. Each step has two wheels at the front and back
edges, with the rear wheels fitting into the trailer-wheel track
and the front wheels fitting into the step-wheel track.
6.
DESIGN
CONSIDERATION
 SAFETY FEATURES

Escalators must be equipped with various safety

features. These include safety sensors that detect
obstructions or irregularities in motion, emergency
stop buttons, and safety skirts or barriers to prevent
entrapment.
 CAPACITY AND TRAFFIC FLOW

Designers consider the expected traffic volume in a

given space. Factors like width, length, and the
number of steps are considered to ensure smooth
traffic flow during peak times without congestion.
 STEP DIMENSIONS AND TREAD
DESIGN

The dimensions of steps, risers, and the angle of

inclination are crucial for user comfort and safety.
Steps need to be wide enough for individuals to
comfortably stand or walk on, and the tread design
must prevent tripping.
 MAINTENANCE AND
SERVICEABILITY

Escalators are subject to heavy use, so the materials

used in their construction must be durable, corrosion-
resistant, and able to withstand wear and tear. This
includes materials for steps, handrails, and the
supporting structure.
 MATERIALS AND DURABILITY

Escalators are subject to heavy use, so the materials

used in their construction must be durable, corrosion-
resistant, and able to withstand wear and tear. This
includes materials for steps, handrails, and the
supporting structure.
 ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Escalators are designed to be energy-efficient,

employing features like energy-efficient motors and
standby modes during low-traffic hours to reduce
power consumption without compromising safety.
 AESTHETICS AND INTEGRATION

Escalators are often architectural elements within

buildings. Their design should blend with the overall
aesthetics of the space, considering factors like
lighting, color schemes, and finishes.
 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Designers plan for emergency evacuation

procedures, including clear signage, emergency
lighting, and audible alarms, ensuring users can safely
exit the escalator in case of an emergency.
THANK YOU
Patindol, Crischel P.
Bade, Saint J O.
Jamen, Brylle C.
Pamintuan, Adrian N.
Teves, Chris Dritz Leonard D.
Gamo, Johannah Gretch C.

TEAM 7 CEA_CE_3I