The Evolution of Mobile Platform Traction Systems

Download this Whitepaper

September 12, 2018

The evolution of DC motor and gear motor technology
has opened the doors to lightweight, battery-efficient solutions for mobile
platform traction systems.

From medical mobility to industrial robotics and warehouse automation,
mobile platform
traction systems have become more affordable, manageable and efficient
in large part due to the advancements of motors and integrated gearbox
technology. These advancements reduce the size and weight of the motor
and allow for design improvements such as direct drive of wheels, which
eliminate components and reduce cost.

ElectroCraft Motion Control Solutions

ElectroCraft Inc. is a global provider of dependable, application-engineered,
fractional-horsepower motor and motion products. ElectroCraft has contributed
to the creation and propagation of mobile platform traction systems through
innovations in brush and brushless DC motors and
integrated gearmotor designs.


Figure 1: ElectroCraft LRPX40: RapidPower™ Xtreme Brushless DC Planetary Gear Motor.

ElectroCraft motors exhibit many advanced innovations and features:

  • Powerful and highly efficient, small-frame DC motors
  • High starting torque, ideal for use in rough or uneven terrain
  • Speed-torque characteristics that are optimized for wheel drive applications
  • Highly responsive for quick acceleration
  • Compact footprints
  • Extremely durable and flexible gearbox designs
  • Designed to provide efficient operation and long battery life

Advancing Technology for the World

ElectroCraft gear motors are highly reliable, cost-effective,
industrial-strength products that have evolved and expanded over
time to become ideal mobile platform traction solutions. With over
one million gear motors in service worldwide and with years of
experience in the medical mobility market, ElectroCraft has been
able to further innovate with higher performance and ever more
robust motion solutions.


Figure 2: MP36: ElectroCraft MobilePower geared motor.

ElectroCraft gearmotors are
renowned for their smooth, controlled power delivery, with high
starting torque to provide excellent rough-terrain and curb-climbing
performance. These characteristics make them ideal for rehab
wheelchairs that can tilt, bariatric wheelchairs for patients
weighing greater than 600 lb. and outdoor wheelchairs capable
of handling uneven terrain.

ElectroCraft engineers are constantly developing new products,
which has opened the door to new markets requiring motors and
gearmotors with more demanding specifications. In addition to
medical mobility, ElectroCraft mobile platform traction solutions
are ideal for a wide variety of industrial, commercial and consumer
product applications.

Some applications include automated guided vehicles (AGV), autonomous
mobile robots (AMR) and motorized assist devices such as carts, tuggers
and lift trucks that are used in automated warehouse and logistics
operations. Other applications with demanding specifications that are
ideal for ElectroCraft solutions are included in the rapidly growing
field of mobile robotics. ElectroCraft products are found in surgical
robots, industrial robots, agricultural robots, military robots, as
well as professional and domestic service robots.

Custom Solutions

When an application requires specifications that are not available
in a standard product, ElectroCraft specializes in developing customized
solutions for the most demanding motion control requirements.

ElectroCraft engineers can also help identify the best gearing
technology for the application by working with the customer to answer
key questions.

  • What are the physical limitations of the application?
  • What orientation configuration is best, parallel, in-line or right-angle gearing?
  • What is the reduction in speed or increase in torque ratio required?
  • What are the drive train, system efficiency and overall battery life requirements?
  • What is the sensitivity to noise?

This will determine the reduction technology, which includes timing
belt, spur or helical gear, planetary gear, harmonic drive, cycloidal
gears, bevel gears, hypoid gears and worm gears.

The following chart provides an overview of various mechanical transmission
options that can be incorporated in a custom solution.

Table 1: Classification of common mechanical transmissions.

With over 100,000 ft.² (300,000 ft.² in the U.S. and 100,000
ft.² in China) of manufacturing space, and dedicated North American
and worldwide engineering team, ElectroCraft will design and build a motor
that suits customer’s mobile platform traction solution needs.

Conclusion

ElectroCraft brush and brushless DC motors and integrated gear motors
are highly reliable, cost-effective, industrial-strength solutions. While
they were originally developed for the medical market, they have evolved
and expanded over time to become ideal mobile platform traction solutions
for a wide variety of industrial, commercial and consumer product applications.

ElectroCraft engineers have the knowledge, experience and capability to
develop highly customizable solutions for the most demanding applications
when an off-the-shelf product is not available.

Contact a BLDC application engineer at
sales@electrocraft.com for additional information.