Before the good stuff comes pouring forth, here’s a minor activity to tease the brain: Try guessing the name of the guy who invented the Levytator. The answer is pretty obvious, but let it remain a mystery for now. Seen below is what amounts to an innovation in the movable staircase species. Detailed explanation and a nice video after the jump.
What is the Levytator?
Okay, so the Levytator is basically a series of interconnected circular modules that twirl round and round like a bicycle chain. This is just a loose comparison for mental imaging’s sake. Unlike traditional escalators that move in a straight line, the Levytator can follow a curved path, making it a versatile solution for various architectural designs.
Developed in the City University of London, the Levytator’s departure from traditional escalator design is seen as a boon for engineers and architects. Because of its shape, the movable staircase can assume different structures, sexier if you will. Imagine an escalator that can curve around corners, spiral up a tower, or even form a continuous loop. This flexibility opens up new possibilities for building designs, allowing for more creative and efficient use of space.
Energy Efficiency and Practical Applications
If the hype is believed, it’s also energy efficient. Traditional escalators often run continuously, consuming a significant amount of energy. The Levytator, on the other hand, can be designed to operate only when needed, reducing energy consumption. Additionally, its modular design means that it can be easily maintained and repaired, potentially lowering long-term operational costs.
The Levytator could be particularly useful in environments where space is at a premium, such as airports, shopping malls, and urban transit systems. For example, in an airport, a Levytator could provide a seamless transition between different levels, reducing the need for multiple escalators and elevators. In a shopping mall, it could create a more engaging and visually appealing experience for shoppers, encouraging them to explore different areas of the mall.
Here’s the video promised. It best illustrates how useful the Levytator is supposed to be.
Oh yes, the inventor’s name? Jack Levy. No wonder.
Source Gizmag
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