Nested Motor System for AGV Steering and Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In warehouse environments, there is a challenge in designing autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) with limited space for both steering and traction motors, which limits their maneuverability and efficiency in navigating through tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a motor system where the traction motor is positioned within the steering motor's rotor, allowing both motors to share a common axis and reducing the overall height, enabling a low-profile configuration that maintains necessary torque for steering while allowing the AGV to move forward and backward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traction motor and steering motor are positioned separately in the AGV, then each motor can be adequately sized for its function, but the overall device height increases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The traction motor is positioned within the steering motor's rotor, with the traction motor's stator forming part of the steering motor's rotor structure. This nested configuration allows both motors to share common structural elements and space, reducing the overall device height and improving space utilization while maintaining adequate sizing for each motor's function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two separate motor systems into a single integrated unit where the traction motor and steering motor share common structural components. The steering motor's rotor serves as the housing for the traction motor, and both motors share a common axis, merging their functions into a compact assembly that improves maneuverability without sacrificing operational capability
2Length of stationary object
If the motor system height is reduced for a low-profile design, then space utilization improves, but the torque capability for steering may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the traction motor within the steering motor's rotor, the design achieves a low-profile configuration where the motor system height does not exceed the height of the outer steering motor while maintaining adequate torque capability through proper sizing of the steering motor
3Reliability
If separate motor systems are used for steering and traction, then each motor can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering motor and traction motor into a single integrated system where both motors share common structural elements including the steering motor's rotor serving as the traction motor's housing, and both motors sharing a common axis. This reduces device complexity while maintaining functional optimization through dedicated motor designs
Solution Approach 2:
The steering motor's rotor serves multiple functions: it acts as the housing for the traction motor, provides the steering function through the steering motor's rotation, and serves as a structural component for both motor systems. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining specialized functionality for each motor
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables the AGV to efficiently navigate through tight spaces with effective steering and locomotion, improving its maneuverability and space utilization within warehouses.
Implementation Method 1
a steering motor with a first rotor positioned within a first stator. The steering motor may be configured to rotate the first rotor about a steering axis
Implementation Method 2
a traction motor including a second stator positioned within a second rotor. The traction motor may be configured to rotate the second rotor about a rolling axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an example motor system. The motor system includes a steering motor with a first rotor positioned within a first stator. The steering motor is configured to rotate the first rotor about a steering axis. The motor system also includes a traction motor including a second stator positioned within a second rotor. The second rotor includes a traction surface defining a wheel. The traction motor is configured to rotate the second rotor about a rolling axis, and the traction motor is positioned within an opening in the first rotor. The motor system also includes an axle positioned coaxial to the second rotor and coupled to the first rotor such that the traction motor rotates about the steering axis as the steering motor rotates the first rotor about the steering axis.