Slewing Ring Drive for AGV Steering and Load Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) face limitations in load capacity and maneuverability due to the placement of separate drive and steering components adjacent to the load, leading to top-heaviness and constrained movement, with existing drive and steering units being delicate, large, and providing minimal power relative to size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a slewing ring into the drive unit to support a drive wheel assembly, allowing for rotatable steering and robust load-bearing capabilities, enabling the AGV to turn and steer without constraints and handle varying load sizes effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate drive and steering components are placed adjacent to the load, then the mechanical components are simplified, but the vehicle becomes top-heavy and maneuverability is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate drive and steering components into an integrated sleving ring assembly. The sleving ring integrates the drive wheel assembly and steering mechanism into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate adjacent components while improving maneuverability and reducing top-heaviness.
2Device complexity
If drive and steering components are placed adjacent to the load, then mechanical components are simplified, but the load capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sleving ring assembly merges drive and steering functions into one integrated structure that can support heavier loads. The combined design distributes weight more effectively and eliminates the top-heaviness constraint, allowing the vehicle to carry larger loads while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
3Device complexity
If conventional drive and steering units are used, then the design is simple, but the units are delicate, large, and provide minimal power relative to size
Solution Approach 1:
The sleving ring assembly combines drive and steering mechanisms into a compact integrated unit that provides enhanced power relative to its size. The merged design eliminates redundant components, reduces overall unit size, and improves the power-to-size ratio while maintaining design simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises a steering assembly, a slewing ring engaged with the steering assembly and being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly mounted to the slewing ring, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the slewing ring.