Development of an innovative coupling system for industrial vehicles: An AGV oriented approach

Abstract

In this paper, authors explore the analysis and development of a innovative coupling system for industrial vehicles. After an introduction of the topic and the objectives, the advantages for developing such a system are described in detail. Some previously published studies with similar content or conclusions necessary to the understanding of the system under study are also presented. In order to develop a system more precise than the currently used, the common systems are study in this paper, focusing on four wheeled trailers, varying the coupling system's rotation center, which can be on the front or rear vehicles. In the commonly used systems the trailers tend to get too close from the rotation center, this means that both trailers have lower trajectory paths and not ideal precision. Having studied the systems currently used in shop floor, a new coupling system is developed, with the aim of increasing trailers' trajectory precision and manoeuver options. Two different systems were under study. The first one is to control the trailers steering mechanism, in order to position the trailer in a more precise position. The other system is simply altering the coupling system length and rotation centers. By analyzing both results, the solution with the rotation of the rear axle in each trailer guarantees better precision, where the trailers perform a trajectory precision of 100%. However, the solution that better fits the industrial reality is the solution with the alteration of the length and the rotation center of the coupling system. This solution allows less precision but its better in price, cost and implementation effort.