Rafael Ernits
Research Assistant
BIBA - Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH at the University of Bremen
Nils Hoppe
BIBA - Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH at the University of Bremen
Ivan Kuznetsov
BIBA - Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH at the University of Bremen
Claudio Uriarte
BIBA - Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH at the University of Bremen
Michael Freitag
Full Professor
University of Bremen, Faculty of Production Engineering
Research Assistant
BIBA - Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH at the University of Bremen
Nils Hoppe
BIBA - Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH at the University of Bremen
Ivan Kuznetsov
BIBA - Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH at the University of Bremen
Claudio Uriarte
BIBA - Bremer Institut für Produktion und Logistik GmbH at the University of Bremen
Michael Freitag
Full Professor
University of Bremen, Faculty of Production Engineering
A new omnidirectional track drive system for off-road vehicles
The purpose of this paper is to present a new drive technology for construction machines. The concept is based on Mecanum wheels (passive rollers) mounted on a track. This concept was evaluated by two demonstrators of considerable different sizes. The first demonstrator weights 100 kg and have a load capacity of 80 kg. It is driven by battery-powered servo-motors and controlled by a micro-controller. The second demonstrator weights 4 tons and may carry 6 tons. It is powered by a diesel motor, which delivers energy for a hydraulic system controlled by a programmable logic controller.
The paper will present design and functionality of the two demonstrators as well as their evaluation by driving test cases. As a result, the benefits and drawbacks of this omnidirectional track drive system will be derived and possible application fields will be discussed.