Elevators and Escalators

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism used to lift an elevator car in a hydraulic elevator system?

A powerful electric motor directly attached to the elevator car

A pressurized fluid pushing on a piston (correct)

A system of pulleys and ropes

A strong magnet attached to the elevator car

In a hydraulic elevator system, what is the primary role of the valve?

To provide lubrication for the piston

To control the direction of fluid flow (correct)

To store excess hydraulic fluid

To filter impurities from the hydraulic fluid

How does a hydraulic elevator system stop the car at a desired floor?

A brake is applied directly to the elevator car

The valve is closed, preventing further fluid from entering the cylinder (correct)

The motor is reversed, causing the car to descend slowly

The piston is locked in place by a locking mechanism

What is the primary force used to lower a hydraulic elevator car?

The weight of the car and its contents Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component responsible for moving the elevator car in a traction elevator system?

An electric motor connected to a sheave Signup and view all the answers

How is the direction of movement controlled in a traction elevator system?

By changing the direction of rotation of the electric motor Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the sheave in a traction elevator system?

To transmit power from the motor to the ropes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of elevator design is described as the most popular and efficient?

Traction elevator Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the balance in gearless elevators?

To conserve energy Signup and view all the answers

How do gearless elevators maintain a constant potential energy level?

By using both the elevator car and counterweight Signup and view all the answers

Which type of escalator is most suitable for a narrow space?

Spiral escalator Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable difference between escalators and elevators in terms of energy consumption?

Elevators save electricity by operating only when in use Signup and view all the answers

Which escalator type is ideal for outdoor use?

Inclined escalator Signup and view all the answers

What is a common limitation of escalators regarding transportation?

They cannot accommodate patients and luggage Signup and view all the answers

What keeps the car and counterweight from swaying back and forth in gearless elevators?

Guide rails Signup and view all the answers

Which type of escalator is designed for broader spaces like malls or airports?

Parallel escalator Signup and view all the answers

What type of room is necessary for an elevator but not for an escalator?

Machine room Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the functionality of escalators?

Motor-driven chains cycling on tracks Signup and view all the answers

In terms of design, how are escalators primarily characterized?

Diagonal stairs with an incline Signup and view all the answers

What is a common usage scenario for escalators?

Transportation in public spaces such as malls Signup and view all the answers

How do escalators differ from elevators in terms of energy consumption?

Escalators consume more power Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of elevators regarding privacy?

They have enclosed cabins Signup and view all the answers

Which capacity statement is true for escalators compared to elevators?

Escalators can hold over 20 people at a time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about escalators is false?

Escalators are used primarily in private buildings Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of preventive maintenance for elevators and escalators?

To prevent breakdowns Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following maintenance types is performed after a failure has occurred?

Corrective maintenance Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of elevators compared to stairs and escalators?

Ability to transport more people at once Signup and view all the answers

Which safety feature is commonly found in elevators to enhance passenger safety?

Emergency stop buttons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of elevator?

Stairway Signup and view all the answers

What type of maintenance is necessary in high traffic areas for elevators and escalators?

More routine maintenance Signup and view all the answers

Which feature helps prevent entrapment on escalators?

Handrails Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a 'lift' and an 'elevator'?

A lift is a general term for any vertical transportation device, while an elevator is a specific type powered by electricity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a mechanical or engineering element in a building?

Elevator Signup and view all the answers

What maintenance activity should be included in a routine maintenance schedule?

Cleaning and lubrication Signup and view all the answers

For safety considerations, what should stairs be designed with?

Proper handrails and adequate lighting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary force used in a traction roped elevator?

Electric motor and traction cables Signup and view all the answers

What kind of elevator is specifically designed to carry patients on stretchers?

Hospital Elevator Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between hydraulic and traction elevators?

Hydraulic elevators use hydraulic pressure to move the cabin, while traction elevators utilize cables. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a major elevator design?

Pneumatic Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of an elevator?

To provide vertical transportation for people and goods within a building. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course Title: Electrical and Mechanical Systems
Course Code: AE 475
Faculty: Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology
Department: Architectural Engineering
Semester: First Semester 2024/2025
Instructor: Dr. Muna M. Alibrahim
University: Yarmouk University

Topic 6: Elevators and Escalators

Elevators and escalators significantly impact contemporary design and architecture.
They have transformed how people navigate buildings.
Using elevators and escalators is now commonplace.

Circulation Elements in Buildings

Physical/Architectural Elements: Corridors, Portals (entrances, doors, gates), Stairways, Ramps
Mechanical/Engineering Elements: Elevators, Escalators, Moving Walkways

Elevators

Mechanical lifts transporting people and goods within a building.
Operate using an electric motor that powers traction cables and counterweights.
The motor pulls the elevator up, and gravity takes hold when it stops.
Various types exist, each designed for specific needs (passenger, freight, hydraulic, home, hospital elevators).
Passenger elevators are common in office buildings, apartments, and hotels.
Hospital elevators are designed for transporting patients on stretchers and wheelchairs.

Lift vs. Elevator

Lift and elevator are often used interchangeably.
Lift is a general term for any vertical transportation device.
Elevator is a specific type of lift powered by electricity.
Elevator is predominantly an American term.
Lift is predominantly a British term

Two Major Elevator Designs

Push (Hydraulic): A hydraulic piston inside a cylinder, driven by pressurized oil through a pump and valve system. The fluid reservoir, pump (electrically powered), and a valve are the three key parts. The pump forces fluid into the cylinder; when the valve opens, fluid returns to the reservoir; when the valve closes, fluid pushes the piston up, lifting the elevator car.
Pull (Traction): The most popular and efficient design. The ropes are attached to the elevator car and looped around a sheave (pulley). The sheave rotation (powered by the motor) moves the ropes up or down. The motor operation goes one way to lift and another to lower. When the motor operates, the sheave also rotates. For faster precision, gearless elevators are also used.

Elevator Balance

The balance system conserves energy. With equal loads, little force is required to tip the balance.
The motor only needs to overcome friction; the weight on the other side does most of the work. The balance maintains a constant potential energy. The elevator car descending increases weight; the weights rise to the top, and the system operates like a seesaw.

Escalators

Essential moving stairs accommodating vertical movement between floors.
Consists of a motor-driven chain that moves the steps in a cycle on tracks.
Escalators consume significant power compared to elevators.

Types of Escalators

Parallel: Ideal for large spaces like malls and airports.
Crisscross: Also used in wide spaces, but with stairs crossing each other.
Spiral: Suitable for compact areas.
Inclined: Best for outdoor areas where people walk or stand.

Advantages of Using Escalators

High capacity (more than 20 people at a time) making them efficient for large pedestrian areas like malls and transport hubs.
Patients and luggage are not accommodated.
No specific machine room is required, unlike elevators.

Elevator and Escalator Maintenance

Essential for optimal operation and safety.
Preventive maintenance: Regular checks to prevent breakdowns.
Corrective maintenance: Repairs after a system failure.
Routine maintenance: Keeps the equipment in good working order.
Frequent checks of electrical and mechanical components, along with cleaning and lubrication are important parts of the maintenance schedule.

Advantages of Elevators over Stairs and Escalators

Convenience and accessibility, especially for people with mobility challenges or heavy luggage.
Eliminating physical effort reduces the risk of injury for many people.
Transport many people at once, particularly beneficial in high-rise buildings.

Safety Considerations for Elevators, Escalators, and Stairs

Elevators: Safety mechanisms—doors sensors, emergency stop buttons, and backup power systems.
Escalators: Safety features—handrails, comb plates to prevent entrapment, and sensors to detect obstructions.
Stairs: Proper handrails, non-slip surfaces, and adequate lighting.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential elements of elevators and escalators, focusing on their design and mechanical functionality within buildings. You will explore their impact on contemporary architecture and the various circulation elements involved in navigation. Test your knowledge of how these systems operate and their importance in architectural design.

Elevators and Escalators - AE 475

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