Self Feeding Escalator

The problem I wanted to investigate was how the power source affects the speed of a self-feeding escalator. The escalator is driven by an electric motor. Electric motors can run at different speeds depending on how much power they receive. I wanted to find out if using a bigger power source would make the escalator move marbles faster.

I built a self-feeding escalator using a DC motor, belt, stairs, and marbles. The escalator carried marbles upward, and gravity brought them back down so the system could repeat continuously. I ran two experiments, each for one minute: Experiment 1: Powered the motor using a 6-volt charger. Experiment 2: Powered the motor using a 9-volt battery.

During each experiment, I counted how many times the marble traveled up the escalator in one minute. I recorded the results and compared the speeds.

With the 6-volt charger, the marble moved 9 times per minute. With the 9-volt battery, the marble moved 15 times per minute. The escalator moved faster when more power was supplied to the motor. Increasing the voltage increased the motor speed, which increased how fast the belt and stairs moved. This shows a clear relationship between power input and escalator speed. The ratio of 9/6 is almost equal to the ratio of 15/9 (1.5 and 1.66 respectively)

When I used a bigger power source, the self-feeding escalator moved faster. The results supported my hypothesis. The DC motor converted electrical energy into rotational energy, which lifted the marbles upward. Gravity then returned the marbles down the slope. I also learned that building the belt system was difficult and required several attempts to work properly. This project helped me understand how motors, power sources, and mechanical design work together.

I watched the following video to build my self feeding escalator.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCZXEA2BAvo

I would like to thank: My teacher, Mr Adham, for guidance and support. My family for helping me gather materials and test my project. CYSF for encouraging science in Calgary.