Integrated Wheel Drive Steering Unit for AGV Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) have limited load-carrying capacity and maneuverability due to the placement of separate drive and steering components adjacent to the load, which increases top-heaviness and restricts movement to only two turnable wheels, making them less efficient and less agile.
Innovation Solution
A wheel drive and steering unit with four independently operable drive and steering units positioned at each corner of the vehicle, featuring a steering assembly and drive assembly that allow for up to 360° movement, enabling more efficient steering and load handling, and facilitating easier maintenance with components mounted above the support plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If drive and steering components are placed adjacent to the load, then the mechanical structure is simplified, but the load-carrying capacity is limited and the vehicle becomes top-heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive mechanism and steering mechanism into a single integrated wheel assembly. The drive motor and steering motor are mounted on the same wheel housing, allowing both functions to be performed from a centralized location rather than placing components adjacent to the load. This merging reduces the overall vehicle height and improves load-carrying capacity while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
2Device complexity
If only two wheels are made turnable, then the mechanical components are simplified, but the vehicle maneuverability is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
Each wheel assembly in the patent is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide drive propulsion, steering control, and even suspension capabilities. The universal wheel assembly includes both drive and steering mechanisms, allowing any wheel to be turned independently. This multi-functionality enables superior maneuverability with four independently controllable wheels rather than limiting turning to only two wheels.
3Reliability
If existing drive and steering units are designed with separate components, then the construction is more robust, but the unit size becomes large and power-to-size ratio is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the steering mechanism is integrated within the drive mechanism housing. The steering motor and its components are positioned inside or adjacent to the drive motor assembly, creating a compact nested structure. This nesting approach maintains structural robustness while significantly reducing the overall volume of the wheel assembly compared to separate component layouts.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises, in one embodiment, a steering assembly including a steering gear attached to a wheel housing and engaged with the steering power system, the steering gear being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly connected to the steering gear, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the steering gear. In an alternate embodiment, the steering assembly is connected to the wheel through a steering gear attached to a slewing ring that supports the drive assembly and is rotatable with the drive assembly.