Since the original idea for a "revolving staircase" back in the late 1850s, the whole concept of what an escalator is, and how it works, have come a long way. Escalators, when they're working of course, are a marvel for getting from Point A to Point B. That's particularly true when Point A is very far underground, and Point B is, oh, let's say 413 feet above that.
But there are cool ways to do that beyond just the old up-down design. For example, you could check out the "spiral" escalator. Or for more than 2,500 feet of escalating fun, have a look at Hong Kong's Central-Mid-Levels system!
And now, a researcher in Britain has an idea for putting a new twist on the ol' escalator, literally. Jack Levy, an emeritus professor of mechanical engineering at City University in London has come up with an escalator that, well, twists and bends in just about any direction. He's patented the idea, and called it, yep, the "Levytator."
Unlike older designs, where the steps are rectangular and those not being used simply move underneath those in use, Levy's design comprises a set of curved "modules" that can move in any direction, flatten and straighten out...all with people on board.
Just how bendy could it get? Well, Levy envisions that a science museum, for example, could get a Levytator done in a DNA double-helix. And for about the same cost as a regular escalator.
But enough chit-chat. Here's a video that includes a mock-up and a working demonstration:
Tags: Engineering, Transportation
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