Braking performance analysis of an escalator system using multibody dynamics simulation technology

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.