Showing papers on "Drive wheel published in 2021"

Individual Drive-Wheel Energy Management for Rear-Traction Electric Vehicles with In-Wheel Motors

Abstract: In-wheel motor technology has reduced the number of components required in a vehicle’s power train system, but it has also led to several additional technological challenges. According to kinematic laws, during the turning maneuvers of a vehicle, the tires must turn at adequate rotational speeds to provide an instantaneous center of rotation. An Electronic Differential System (EDS) controlling these speeds is necessary to ensure speeds on the rear axle wheels, always guaranteeing a tractive effort to move the vehicle with the least possible energy. In this work, we present an EDS developed, implemented, and tested in a virtual environment using MATLAB™, with the proposed developments then implemented in a test car. Exhaustive experimental testing demonstrated that the proposed EDS design significantly improves the test vehicle’s longitudinal dynamics and energy consumption. This paper’s main contribution consists of designing an EDS for an in-wheel motor electric vehicle (IWMEV), with motors directly connected to the rear axle. The design demonstrated effective energy management, with savings of up to 21.4% over a vehicle without EDS, while at the same time improving longitudinal dynamic performance.

Robotic repair system for high mast light poles

Abstract: A robotic repair system for high mast light poles includes a support ring having a diameter to fit around a high mast light pole, a guide system secured to and above the support ring, and a platform engaging the guide system and coupled to an actuator configured to move the platform in a first direction, and an opposing second direction. The robotic repair system also includes a repair attachment secured to the platform to repair the high mast light pole, a drive wheel and a motor coupled to and configured to drive the drive wheel and configured to move the repair attachment along the guide system, and an outer guide track secured adjacent to the guide system where the drive wheel is within the outer guide track.

Pouch conveyor drive system dynamics

Abstract: Pouch conveyors commonly employ point-contact drive systems, indenting a rigid drive wheel into the viscoelastic running surface of the conveyor. Rigid indentation of a viscoelastic surface exhibits regions of stick and slip, reducing the tractive limits of the contact. By modelling the conveyor cover as both an elastic material, and using a 3-parameter Maxwell approximation, a comparison can be made to predict the attainable traction of both indentation and load dependent contacts, highlighting the influence of viscoelasticity in the drive contact. Accurate prediction of the slip within the contact region allows appropriate drive placement and spacing along a conveyor, maximising transmission of drive power and efficiency, while minimising capital/operating cost and surface wear. Experimental results are presented to validate the model, using both polished steel and wheels with polyurethane, ceramic and rubber lagging.

Power-assisted Three-wheel Carrier Cart With Stair-climbing Ability

Abstract: Carts and suitcases for carrying luggage are a burden to users, especially when they are carried on stairs. Previous studies on mobile robots with stair-climbing ability focused on legs and/or crawlers. However, many actuators and complex mechanisms are needed for leg locomotion. In propulsion using crawlers, the contact area is limited by size. Other robots use a wheel called Tri-star wheel for climbing stairs. This wheel enables both stair climbing and moving on flat floors. In this study, we propose a power-assisted carrier cart using the Tri-star wheel to reduce the burden of carrying luggage. The drive unit for the carrier cart has three drive wheels on each side, and the center shaft is connected to each drive wheel in each spoke like a planetary gear. Thus, this wheel can move on a plane and climb stairs by rotating the spoke. A load sensor on the handle measures the pulling force of the user to control motors according to the force. Consequently, the user can move the cart within a constant force regardless of load weight and terrain conditions. Herein, we present the design of the proposed carrier cart, simulation to investigate the power-assist control, and experiments conducted to evaluate the power-assist performance using a prototype.

Lawn mower robot

Abstract: Described is a lawn mower robot comprising:- a frame (2);- cutting means (3) configured for cutting grass, adjusting the height;- movement means (4) associated with the frame (2) for moving it along a working trajectory;wherein said movement means (4) comprise at least one movement module (5) comprising:- an adjustable drive wheel (6) defining internally a containment space;- a rotation motor (7a) positioned at least partly inside the containment space and configured for controlling an axial rotation, about a respective axis (X) of rotation, of the adjustable drive wheel (6) to allow a rolling of the wheel (6) on the grass;- a shaft (8) for orientation of the wheel (6), rotatably supported by said frame (2) rotating about an orientation axis (Y) at right angles to the axis (X) of rotation of the adjustable drive wheel (6) and supporting the adjustable drive wheel (6) and the rotation motor (7a),- an orientation motor (7b) supported by the frame (2) and operatively connected to the orientation shaft (8) for rotating and orienting said adjustable drive wheel (6), rotating it abut said orientation axis (Y), in a predetermined direction.

Strength analysis of the drive wheel hub of a hydrogen-powered prototype hyper-light vehicle

Abstract: This article presents a strength analysis of the rear wheel hub of the prototype vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition. Due to only one wheel in the vehicle’s driving axle, all drive components and the wheel are subjected to higher loads. Therefore, the rear hub must withstand the loads generated by the rear part of the vehicle and the powertrain. The aim of the paper was to develop a hub with the minimum possible weight while fulfilling the strength conditions. The low weight of the hub is particularly important because of the efforts to achieve the highest possible efficiency of the drive system, which generates less energy loss and the ability to travel a longer distance on the same amount of fuel. The article presents the developed three-dimensional model of the hub. The suitable materials for the individual elements that are parts of the whole hub were selected. The three-dimensional model was tested to strength analysis using the finite element method with the use of Abaqus® software. The developed calculation mesh as well as the assumptions and boundary conditions of the modelling carried out are presented. The results of the simulation tests, which are the basis for further design work are also described.

Drive device, circuit board, and communication apparatus

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide a drive device, a circuit board, and a communication apparatus, pertaining to the technical field of communication apparatuses. The drive device is used to drive a first movable member to move along a first line and used to drive a second movable member to move along a second line, and the first line is perpendicular to the second line. The drive device comprises: a drive wheel having a meshing portion and a non-meshing portion formed thereon; and a first transmission mechanism and a second transmission mechanism, wherein when the first transmission mechanism meshes with the meshing portion, the second transmission mechanism is at a location of the non-meshing portion, and the drive wheel drives, via the first transmission mechanism, the first movable member to move along the first line; when the second transmission mechanism meshes with the meshing portion, the first transmission mechanism is at the location of the non-meshing portion, and the drive wheel drives, via the second transmission mechanism, the second movable member to move along the second line.

Lawn care vehicle with heads up mower controls

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame to which at least a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel of the riding lawn care vehicle are attachable, an engine operably coupled to the frame and the first and second drive wheels to provide power to the first and second drive wheels, a steering assembly that includes a first steering lever and a second steering lever, and a work assembly. The first and second steering levers are operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels respectively to facilitate turning of the riding lawn care vehicle based on drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels responsive to positioning of the first and second steering levers. The work assembly is operably coupled to the engine to perform a work function responsive to power received from the engine. Each of the first and second steering levers includes a grip portion. At least one of the first steering lever or the second steering lever includes a control module disposed proximate to and separate from the grip portion. The control module includes a control operator configured to control operation of the engine or the work assembly.

Powered conveyor support arm and rotation drive wheel and control system

Abstract: A conveyor support system has a primary arm and a secondary arm. The secondary arm has a generally vertical, rotatable shaft at its distal end. The vertical shaft supports pivoting of a conveyor system about the shaft. A powered wheel and tire assembly is mounted on the conveyor, under an intake end of the conveyor, and is oriented in a position to drive rotation of the conveyor about the vertical, rotatable shaft disposed at the distal end of the secondary arm. The primary arm is mounted to the agricultural machine and is configured to move the conveyor from its transport position to a position in which it can be rotated to its deployed position.

Method for the trouble-free transport of load racks in factory buildings with radio shadowing and with partially autonomous driving operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport vehicle and a method for a problem-free transport of heavy-duty shelves in workshops with radio shadowing using a partly autonomous drive mode, having the following features: a) a vehicle housing with a support plate for receiving and transporting a heavy-duty shelf, comprising two drive wheels which are driven separately on both sides in the center of the vehicle housing on a respective separately mounted rotational axle, b) a transverse link which connects the drive wheels, each drive wheel being pivotal about the rotational axle via an angle lever, such that the drive wheels can carry out vertical movements independently of each other, c) a centrally arranged actuating element which can move two front lift rods and two rear lift rods via a lift rotary lever and via a push rod which is connected to the lift rotary lever in order to lift or lower the support plate, d) a system for supplying energy to the transport vehicle, and e) at least one 3D scanner, at least one light field sensor, and at least one WLAN antenna in the front region of the vehicle body.

Wind concentrator and wind turbine

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine that does not produce a negative visual impact, dampens noise and is not dangerous. The solution found by the inventors is to insert the wind turbine blades into a wind concentrator. Specifically, the wind concentrator is a vertical structure having an annular cross section comprising nozzles through which the wind circulates. The wind turbine is formed by a motor system composed of the wind concentrator and blades firmly connected to a drive shaft. All the nozzle outlets face the same direction of rotation of the turbine, allowing the rotation speed of the blades to be increased and, therefore, energy efficiency to be increased. The wind turbine also comprises a drive wheel (9) firmly connected to the drive shaft (4), support arms (7) and a plurality of generators (8) interlinked to the drive wheel and perimetrally disposed on the drive wheel.

Lawn care vehicle brake system with intuitive control

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle (10) may include a frame (60), a steering assembly (30), a brake assembly (110), and a mechanical brake linkage assembly (120). At least a first drive wheel (32) and a second drive wheel (32) of the riding lawn care vehicle (10) may be attachable to the frame (60). The steering assembly (30) may include a first steering lever (34) and a second steering lever (34), where the first and second steering levers (34) are operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels (32) respectively to facilitate turning of the riding lawn care vehicle (10) based on drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels (32) responsive to positioning of the first and second steering levers (34) along a first direction when the first and second steering levers are in an operating position. The brake assembly may be operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels (32) to enable brakes to be selectively applied to the first and second drive wheels (32). The mechanical brake linkage assembly (120) may be configured to activate the brake assembly (110) relative to the first and second drive wheels (32) in response to movement of the first and second steering levers (34) in a direction parallel to the first direction after the first and second steering levers (34) have been moved from the operating position to a non-operating position.

Modular wheel assembly for handling and transport of a cargo object

Abstract: A kit of a plurality of modular wheel assemblies are arranged for attachment to a cargo object to handle and transport the cargo object. Each wheel assembly includes a main frame coupled to the cargo object by a lift assembly and a drive wheel on the main frame to drive and steer the object. The lift assemblies can lift or lower the object relative to the drive wheels and the ground. An onboard controller on each assembly is in communication with the other controllers. The onboard controllers generate actuator signals to operate a drive motor and a steering actuator of each modular wheel assembly in coordination with the drive motor and the steering actuator of the other modular wheel assemblies in response to operator commands from a remote controller to controllably displace the cargo object relative to the ground surface.

Support and drive wheel system for overcoming dimensional obstacles

Abstract: FIELD: transport.SUBSTANCE: invention can be used as vehicle wheels. The supporting and driving wheel system for overcoming dimensional obstacles consists of one drive wheel moving inside a circular track, which is a wheel of a larger diameter, along the inner surface of the rim using a cylindrical gearing. The drive wheel is connected to a support wheel of a similar design, located inside the track, diametrically on the opposite side of the drive wheel, by means of a rigid crossbar.EFFECT: reduced energy consumption for vehicle movement, ensuring the possibility of overcoming high obstacles and preserving the road and floor cover.1 cl, 1 dwg

Transmission arrangement for a bicycle or a pedelec

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission arrangement for a bicycle, a cargo bike or a pedelec (1), comprising at least one shiftable transmission that drives a drive wheel (2), wherein at least one downstream transmission group (3) is mounted downstream of the transmission and wherein the downstream transmission group (3) is assigned to the drive wheel (2). Furthermore, a bicycle, a cargo bike or a pedelec having a transmission arrangement is claimed.

Driving apparatus maintaining ground contact of drive-wheel

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a traveling apparatus for transferring a loaded object, which enables a driving wheel to be consistently in contact with the ground even when the traveling apparatus runs on rough ground. To achieve the above purpose, the traveling apparatus of the present invention comprises: a loading plate (140, 240) on which an object is loaded; a first support (110, 210) connected to the lower portion of one side of the loading plate (140, 240); a second support (120, 220) connected to the lower portion of the other side of the loading plate (140, 240); a hinge part (130, 230) for connecting the first support (110, 210) and the second support (120, 220) by means of a hinge structure; at least a pair of driving wheels (160, 260) coupled to opposite sides of the lower portion of the second support (120, 220); and a driving means for rotating/driving the driving wheels (160, 260).

Hybrid drivetrain, hybrid gearbox, and method for operating same

Abstract: A hybrid drivetrain comprising a hybrid gearbox, an internal combustion engine, an electric motor-generator and a power train having at least one drivable drive wheel, wherein: the hybrid gearbox is designed to receive drive power from the internal combustion engine, namely internal combustion engine drive power, and to receive drive power from the electric motor-generator, namely electric drive power, and to supply at least one or both drive powers to the power train, and the hybrid gearbox also has at least three gears, these three gears being formed from at least two different types of gears; the hybrid gearbox has a shiftable gearbox, namely a manual gearbox, which is designed to provide at least one of these three gears of the first type of gear, namely a fixed ratio gear, each of such gears of the first type of gear having a gear ratio fixed by the design of the manual gearbox both for the internal combustion engine and for the electric motor-generator with respect to the power train connection, and the hybrid gearbox also has a speed modulation gearbox which is designed to provide at least one of these three gears of the second type of gear, namely a power-split gear, such a power-split gear being a gear with a variable speed ratio and a fixed torque ratio with respect to the internal combustion engine connection and the power train connection, and the variable speed ratio in the hybrid gearbox being formed by means of a modulation of a speed provided by the internal combustion engine on a speed provided by the electric motor-generator; and the hybrid gearbox has at least one operating mode in which gear changes are only carried out between gears of different types.

Improvements in or relating to apparatus and methods for cutting used motor vehicle tyres

Abstract: An electric tyre cutting machine for cutting tyres into two or three parts around their circumference comprising at least one or a plurality of rotatable circular drive wheel(s) or cutting blade(s) 14, 15, covered by a disc assembly cover 16, 17 for cutting a removed tyre 13 or a tyre still in situ on the wheel 12, covered by a guard 21 or cover using either a hub 5 and cone 6 to support various size wheels or a roller assembly 11 to bring a tyre into contact with the blades for perimetric cutting, the roller being able to be moved into place by a pneumatic strut assembly 9 which is operated by a control switch 10. The apparatus may comprise an electric motor 19 which uses a torque converter to control the speed of the cutting blade(s) or disc(s), a control means and a counter to establish how many tyres have been processed.

Environment-friendly housekeep inspection robot based on cloud computing

Abstract: The invention discloses an environment-friendly housekeep inspection robot based on cloud computing. The environment-friendly housekeep inspection robot based on cloud computing comprises a rail and arobot, wherein the robot comprises a drive part embedded into the rail and a main body part; a water sample acquisition device which comprises a cover body is arranged on the bottom of the inner cavity of the main body part; a through hole is formed in the peripheral surface of the cover body; a connecting shaft is fixedly mounted in the cover body; a first gear is mounted in the cover body; thefirst gear is rotatably connected to the middle part of the connecting shaft; a second gear and a third gear are rotatably connected on the connecting shaft; the second gear is engaged with the thirdgear; the second gear is engaged with the first gear; a crankshaft is connected on the third gear; the output end of the crankshaft is hinged with a connecting rod; the output end of the connecting rod is hinged with a sampling head; the second gear is a drive wheel and is driven by a motor; and the first gear is a fixed wheel. A sampling part of the robot is set to be a semi-open type, and a planetary gear structure is utilized to realize staged type sampling. The environment-friendly housekeep inspection robot is compact in integral structure, and has an extremely high practical value and anextremely good popularization prospect in a bad environment.

Mobile robot drive system

Abstract: A mobile robot can include a chassis and support wheels configured to support the chassis on a ground surface. The mobile robot can have a drive assembly that includes a drive wheel mounted to a control arm for moving the mobile robot. The control arm can pivot about a pivot axis. The pivot axis can be rearward of the axis of rotation of the drive wheel. The pivot axis can be lower than the axis of rotation of the drive wheel. The pivot axis can be lower than the axis of rotation for one or more of the support wheels. A biasing member can bias the control arm downward. Braking using the drive wheel can increase the force of the drive wheel against the ground. Accelerating using the drive wheel can decrease the force of the drive wheel against the ground.

Adjusting device for a headlight

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device (10) for a headlight comprising an adjusting screw assembly 20) having an adjusting screw (22), a drive wheel (24) via which the adjusting screw (22) can be made to rotate, and a transmission element (26) via which the rotational movement is transmitted from the drive wheel (24) to the adjusting screw (22), wherein the transmission element (26) and the adjusting screw (22) have engaging interlocking contours (28a, 28b) for transmitting the rotational movement between the transmission element (26) and the adjusting screw (22), and wherein the transmission element (26) and the drive wheel (24) have interlocking structures (40a, 40b) via which a rotational movement can be transmitted from the drive wheel (24) to the transmission element (26). The invention is characterised in that the adjusting screw (22) has a connection region (A1), such that, in the assembled state, the transmission element (26), which can be slid onto the adjusting screw (22), engages behind the adjusting screw (22) in the connection region (A1) and forms an interlocking connection acting in the axial direction, wherein the drive wheel (24) can also be slid over the transmission element (26) such that, in the assembled state, the connection region (A2) of the transmission element (26) is secured to the connection region (A1) of the adjusting screw (22), wherein the transmission element (26) and the drive wheel (24) can be secured axially to one another via an engaging connection (36, 38).

Curtain opening and closing device, and curtain opening and closing system

Abstract: Provided are a curtain opening and closing device (100) and a curtain opening and closing system. The curtain opening and closing device (100) comprises a main unit (10) and a pulley mechanism (20). The main unit (10) comprises a housing (12) having an internal cavity (11), a drive wheel (13) installed at the internal cavity (11) and partially exposed from the internal cavity (11), a motor (14) disposed at the internal cavity (11) to control rotation of the drive wheel (13), a controller (15) located within the internal cavity (11) and used to control the motor (14) to be on or off, and a signal transceiving module (16) electrically connected to the controller (15) to receive an on/off signal of the motor (14). The drive wheel (13) is used to drive a curtain to move in an extending direction of a curtain guide rail (30). The pulley mechanism (20) is installed at the housing (12). An end of the pulley mechanism (20) away from the housing (12) is mounted at the curtain guide rail (30) and presses the drive wheel (13) tightly against an outer side wall of the curtain guide rail (30). The invention allows installation of the curtain opening and closing device to be achieved by directly mounting the pulley mechanism on the curtain guide rail without using any extra tools, thereby realizing easy operation and reducing costs.

A medical device

Abstract: It is described an instrument feeder device (201) for use in an endoscope system, for feeding a medical instrument (202) into a body or withdrawing the medical instrument from the body, the instrument feeding device comprising: a connector (302) for connecting the instrument feeding device (201) to a motor 5 (203) for moving the medical instrument (202) through the instrument feeding device (201); a drive wheel (303) arranged to be rotated by the motor, wherein the drive wheel (303) is positioned on one side of the medical instrument (202), an idler wheel (310) positioned on an opposite side of the medical instrument 10 relative the drive wheel (303), a clutch mechanism adapted to push the idler wheel (310) against the medical instrument (202), the clutch mechanism including a rotary button (1012) connected to a spindle (1111), the spindle including a main part (1111b) and an eccentric part (1111a) which is arranged offset relative a centre line through the main part, 15 wherein the idler wheel is rotatable mounted on said eccentric part of the spindle.

Battery-operated electric mower

Abstract: A battery-operated electric mower having a chassis that supports at least an operator support and a first and second drive wheel, each drive wheel respectively connected to one of a first and a second drive wheel motor. The first drive wheel motor may be connected to the first drive wheel by a first gear mechanism, which may include a first system of planetary gears, and the second drive wheel motor may be connected the second drive wheel by a second gear mechanism, which may include a second system of planetary gears. The chassis also supports a battery pack positioned, at least in part, within the same horizontal plane as at least one of the drive wheel motors. The battery may be positioned, at least in part, between the first drive wheel motor and the second drive wheel motor, significantly lowering the mower's center of gravity.

Driving force distribution method and driving force distribution device for front-and-rear wheel drive vehicle

Abstract: In this driving force distribution method and driving force distribution device for a front-and-rear wheel drive vehicle, if the difference in rotational speed between the rotational speed of a main drive wheel and the rotational speed of a secondary drive wheel is determined to be less than a predetermined difference in rotational speed, the current distribution of driving force to the secondary drive wheel in the driving force distribution device is reduced by a second predetermined amount.

Drive system for a vehicle, method for operating the drive system, and vehicle with drive system

Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle includes a plurality of electric traction motors, each mechanically coupled to at least one drive wheel to generate traction. At least one traction power converter is connected on an AC voltage side to at least one electric traction motor to supply the electric traction motor with electric power. A traction control unit for controlling at least one traction power converter is provided and is designed to control the at least one traction power converter while the vehicle is moving based on electrical output alternating quantities of the at least one traction power converter. A rotational movement of the at least one drive wheel of the vehicle during standstill of the vehicle is not detected by a separate detection unit based on the output alternating quantities.

Assisted thrust system for carriages or for loads in general moved on wheels

Abstract: An assisted thrust system for a carriage (1) provided with wheels that comprises a base (6) to which a first directional wheel (2) and a second directional wheel (3) are fixed that are connected to the base (6) so as to be able to rotate around a respective axis (7, 8) perpendicular to the base (6); to the base (6) a first drive wheel (9) and a second drive wheel (10) are further fixed that are rotated by at least one gearmotor unit (13, 15; 14, 16; 48, 49), which drives said first drive wheel (9) by a first magnetic coupling device (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) and said second drive wheel (10) by a second magnetic coupling device (32, 33, 34, 35, 36).

Methods for cleaning photovoltaic panels

Abstract: The disclosure herein includes one or more methods for cleaning photovoltaic panels, which includes using cleaning assemblies for photovoltaic panels that may each include: 1) a track coupled to the photovoltaic panel; 2) a housing coupled to the photovoltaic panel; 3) a drive motor coupled to the housing; 4) a drive wheel coupled to the drive motor, wherein the wheel is capable of rolling on the track; 5) a vacuum pump having a suction head coupled to the housing; and/or 6) an air pump having an ionizing electrode.

Hybrid vehicle controller

Abstract: Provided is a hybrid vehicle controller (20) that enables a hybrid vehicle (1) to smoothly achieve travel mode switching involving engine (2) start. The hybrid vehicle controller (20) includes a mode switching controller (25) configured to, in response to a predetermined mode switching request, perform mode switching control for switching from a first travel mode where an engine (2) is stopped and a drive wheel (8) is driven by drive power generated by an electric motor (3) to a second travel mode where the drive wheel (8) is driven by drive power generated by the engine (2) and drive power generated by the electric motor (3). The mode switching controller (25) includes a clutch controller (30), and the clutch controller (30) is configured to: upon receiving the mode switching request, bring a clutch (5) into a half-clutch state to start the engine (2) using rotation of a transmission shaft (4a); and upon determining that the engine (2) has started, shift the clutch (5) from the half-clutch state to a stand-by state and subsequently shift the clutch (5) to an engaged state, the stand-by state being a state which is intermediate between the half-clutch state and a disengaged state and in which the drive power of the engine (2) is not transmitted to the transmission shaft (4a).