Let’s be real, nobody needs a tiny motorized escalator for their desk. But now that you’ve seen it, can you really say you don’t want one of your own? The design comes our way from [AlexY], and is actually the logical evolution of a manually-operated version released previously. But for our money (and 3D printing time), we’d definitely go with this new motorized variant.
While the core mechanism is largely the same, the powered unit uses a N20 geared motor and an 18650 cell. There’s no fancy motor controller here — just flip the switch and you’ve got 30 RPMs worth of stair-steppin’ action. When you’ve run the cell down, and you will, there’s an onboard TP4056 charging module to keep the good times rolling.
[AlexY] hasn’t had a chance to document the build process for the motorized version of the escalator, but as most of the parts are compatible with the manual version, you should be able to figure it out by referencing the earlier assembly guide.
Hot squirted plastic not your thing? We’ve previously seen a wooden escalator designed to keep a Slinky in motion for as long as it takes for you to realize you could be using your skills for something more constructive.
Thanks to [Abe] for the tip.
make it carry downwards the egress of a paper shredder, and put a miniature golden toilet bowl with an automated flush would be just perfect.
That would be fantastic!
Please!
If you make one of these and it takes longer than planned then you can tell folks that you got stuck on an escalator.
I really feel like this should circulate marbles.
Perhaps make it interesting, add a bowling alley with pins that are held down by lengths of string, that are pulled taught by the returning balls, to reset the pins for the next cycle.
Nice accurate model, well done. Moving balls is usually the domain of LEGO GBC’s (great ball contraptions). This project reminds me more of the LEGO ski lift for Minifigures MOC
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=donIaLRsyMw
While not a ski lift, my first impression was LEGO mini-figures as well.
Ditto but every so often it emulates a Chinese escalator and one of them gets swallowed.
Needs a pop-up sign when the battery goes flat that says “Sorry, temporarily stairs.”
B^)
Sorry for the convenience
Where are the LEGO-minifigs when you need them?
Love it!
Forget escalators, I want to see someone build a working model elevator (with all the sensors, buttons, lights etc that a real one has, just in small scale).
actually, i would like to see a working model of the spiral escalator, especially the earliest British one.
Wow, thanks for that! I’d never heard of spiral escalators so I’ve learned something new today. They indeed look interesting.
Wow, always loved escalators as a kid, never thought to build one… it’s like the best and only robotic contraption we’d encounter. Gotten so used to it we stopped marvelling at its ingenuity. Inspiring for sure!
Next step is to have the handrails functional.
For when you want to let your fingers do the walking, but your fingers tire easily.
Stair machine for Roaches…
Escalator to the Roach Hotel
where roaches check in,
but,