InfrastructureCurved escalators can follow any path upward
A retired British mechanical engineering professor designed an escalator, or conveyance — dubbed the Levytator — that can be designed into any shape, so architects can incorporate escalators that follow curves rather than travel in straight lines; the Levytator moves a continuous loop of curved steps, which can follow any path upwards, flatten, and straighten, and descend again with passengers onboard
An engineer in London has developed and patented what is claimed to be the first major redesign of the escalator for 113 years. Professor Jack Levy’s conveyance, dubbed the Levytator, can be designed into any shape, so architects can incorporate escalators that follow curves rather than travel in straight lines. Potential sites for use include hotels, airports, museums and theme parks.
“I’m a Londoner and I’ve been traveling on escalators all my life,” said Levy, an Emeritus professor of mechanical engineering at City University London. “It occurred to me: ‘Why are they all straight? Why can’t we go around corners on them?’ and I took it from there.”
The Engineer’s Jason Ford writes that the new design is powered by what Levy described as a “fairly conventional powertrain,” and it moves a continuous loop of curved steps, which can follow any path upwards, flatten, and straighten, and descend again with passengers onboard.
“This marks a departure from traditional escalator design where redundant steps move underneath those in use,” marks notes.
“There are two issues here: it is a terrible waste of steps and maintenance is a nightmare,” said Levy. “The Levytator is designed so that all the maintenance can be done from the top, so it is very much easier. Also, because it’s in a loop, the cost per useable step is much less than in a conventional escalator – you get twice the steps for your money.”
The Levytator’s handrail will move in the same way as those on conventional escalators.
“The fact that it’s curved will not be a problem; Mitsubishi already uses a curved handrail so it’ll come from the market” said Levy.
Levy conceded that the device’s curved movement may limit the radius of curvature, but this presents an issue of consumer acceptance rather than a significant engineering challenge.
The Levytator has been granted patents in the United Kingdom, Europe, China, and the United States, and Levy is looking for an industrial partner who is prepared to back the production of a full-scale prototype.
