How to construct an escalator with DC motor

An engineering project
Date: Thursday 6, march 2025
By: Flink J.
Jofinde X.
Juriaans S.
Mertowirijo M.

Audience and scope:

Class: PT3.04.12
Subject: English
Preface
As a assignment from our English teacher we have to make a report about our project that we
have made together. We have chosen to make a project about ‘escalator with a dc motor’. In our
report we have put everything together step by step for our project. We want to thank everyone
who helped us in any way.

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Table of Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………......…4
Section 1 Required material/ parts……………………………………………………….....….….5
Section 2 Tools………………………………………………………………………………........8
Section 3 Process description………………………………………………………………….…10
Section 4 Estimate of the cost and real cost of building the project or doing the experiment...…11
Section 5 Cleaning and maintenance………………………………………………………….....12
Section 6 Advantages of this project…………………………………………………...………..13
Section 7 Disadvantages of this project……………………………………………………….…14
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………….15
Sources of information………………………………………………………………………..…16

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Introduction
For our project we will show our audience how a DC motor work. We will show you how a DC
motor will work in an escalator. A DC motor is a motor in which electrical energy in the form of
a direct current is converted into mechanical energy. By building this escalator, participants can
gain insight into both the mechanical aspects, such as gear transmissions and motion
transmission, and the electrical aspects, such as voltage control and engine control.

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Section 1 Required materials/ parts
Materials:

Plywood
For our project we used a combination of plywood and cardboard. We used the plywood for the
outer base to hold the project stable in one place. Then we used the cardboard for the part of the
escalator that is moving because it not so heavy as the plywood.

Bamboo skewers
We used bamboo skewers as “biting teeths” like the image above for example. How it works is
that it bites onto the ribbles of the cardboard, that way the escalator is moving up and down.

Superglue
We used superglue to stick and hold the cardboard pieces together.

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Kraft paper
We used kraft paper around the bamboo skewers as filling.

Screws and nails

Paint
We will also use paint for the project for a nice and colorful view.

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DC motor
We will use 2 DC motor for our project. The motor job is to move the stairs. The first motor will
make the stairs move from down to up and the second motor from up to down.

Wires
We will use wires for coupling of the battery with the dynamo and the on/off switch.

Transparent hard plastic

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Section 2 Tools

Measuring tape
With the measuring tape we measured all the lengths, widths and heights of the plywood and
cardboard of the project.

Ruler
We used a ruler to draw straight lines and also measure small items.

Screwdrivers
We used both flathead and phillips screwdrivers to screw screws.

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Dremel multitoolset
With a dremel multitool you can cut, sanding, drill and many more. That’s why there are bitts,
each bitts has their own function.

Scissors
We used the scissors to cut the cardboard and bamboo skewers.

Stanley knife
We also used stanley knife to cut the cardboard and bamboo skewers. It is easier to use because
you can cut however you like with a stanley knife.

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Section 3 Process description
Day 1
We made a whatsapp group. There we communicate and made plans when and where to meet up.
We all met and gathered up at Mertowirijo’s house. Before we all met we had already talked in
the groupchat what equipment and materials everyone is going to bring. First we made a sketch
how our project would look like. After that we went straight to work. First we measured the
plywood and then we began cutting it with the grinder. We then went to sand the plywood to
prevent splinters. After we have the base that is mostly plywood, we started with cutting the
cardboards with the scissors. We made an appointment to meet another day.

Day 2
We tested the DC motor to see if it works and we continue where we left off at day one. We then
cut the bamboo skewers into sizes. The bamboo skewer that moves together with the motor is
being filled all around with kaft paper. Then we glued bamboo skewers around the kaft paper
and made the object that can move the staircase. We made a hole in the plywood with the dremel
so that we can add the motor there. Then we moved on to making the stairs and the handrail. We
then tested to see if the project was a success.

Day 3
We were done with the project, but it wasn’t complete. We must still paint our project but that
isn’t a problem. We will make sure that before our presentation day, our project will be
completely complete.

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Section 4 Estimate of the cost of building the project or doing the experiment.
We spent a total amount of roughly SRD700 on our project. With the money we bought
plywood, kaft paper and the transparent hard plastic. We already had most of the other stuff.
In the real world the cost of an escalator costs between $10.000- $30.000 depending on its size,
features and installation requirements.

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Section 5 Cleaning and maintenance
Before you are working on a project you must think about your safety. The personal protective
equipment that must be used are:
- Safety helmet
- Safety clothes
- Safety boots
- Safety glasses
- Safety gloves
- Safety tools
Escalator:
Here are some steps about cleaning and maintenance of an escalator:
It involves inspecting, removing debris, applying cleaning agents, scrubbing, drying and
lubricating. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent hazards and keep escalators safe.
Debris removal
- Use brushes or vacuum cleaners to remove dirt, dust, and debris
- Pay special attention to crevices and corners
Cleaning
- Apply cleaning agents to steps, handrails, and balustrades
- Scrub and wipe to remove stains
Drying
- Allow cleaned areas to dry thoroughly before reopening the escalator
Importance of cleaning
- A dirty escalator can be a risk to passengers
- Dirt, grime, and debris can make escalator treads slippery

DC motor:
- Check the motor every six months.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe the motor and make sure it is clean.
- Avoid using water or cleaning products on the motor.

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Section 6 Advantages of a DC motor
1. Small size
2. Low power consumption
3. Easy speed control
4. Affordability
5. Simple design

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Section 7 Disadvantages of a DC motor
1. Realtively short lifespan
2. Potential for sparkling an electrical noises
3. Limited power output

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Conclusion
This project was very fun and interesting. It was a fantastic learning experience. We learned how
to install a DC motor and how it can function. With the help of the mechanical energie we could
use it to make an escalator. Now we know what an DC motor is capable of doing.

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Source
https://riiroo.com/blogs/ride-on-toy-guides/24v-kids-ride-on-car-maintenance-a-complete-guide
https://oswos.com/dc-motors/

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