Importance of AGV Motor Torque Calculation in AGVs for Automotive Manufacturing Logistics

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are transforming the landscape of modern logistics, especially in automotive manufacturing. As production lines become more complex and automated, AGVs are playing a central role in moving parts, tools, and finished products. One key factor to their efficiency is the drive motor torque, which determines how AGVs move smoothly and efficiently under varying conditions. In this article, we explore how accurate torque calculations are essential for ensuring stable operation, particularly in differential drive AGVs, which are commonly used in automotive logistics due to their versatility and maneuverability.

Understanding the Mechanical Dynamics of Differential Drive AGVs

A typical differential drive AGV uses a three-wheel structure: two drive wheels and one caster wheel. This configuration not only ensures vehicle stability but also provides excellent turning flexibility. During operation, as the steering angle changes, the forces and torques experienced by the drive wheels fluctuate. For example, as the steering angle increases from 1° to 90°, torque demands follow a regular pattern influenced by load and friction.

Understanding these mechanics is vital for designing the AGV drive system. Accurate torque calculation is necessary to prevent problems like slippage or overturning, ensuring smooth operation in dynamic production environments.

Force and Torque Calculations in Different Operational Conditions

1. Arc Turning Condition
   When an AGV makes a turn along an arc, the two drive wheels experience different forces and torques. For instance, drive wheel 1 has a turning radius of 1199.76mm, with a torque of 36.77N·m, while drive wheel 2 has a radius of -665.76mm, resulting in a torque of 9.94N·m. The drive motor must adjust the output torque accordingly to keep the AGV on its intended path, which is particularly important when navigating through narrow factory aisles.

2. In-place Turning Condition
   In limited space, in-place turning allows the AGV to rotate without moving forward. This requires higher torque to overcome inertia and friction, with a single drive wheel generating around 16.21N·m of torque. This feature is essential in automotive manufacturing workshops, where the AGV must maneuver in tight spaces with precision.

3. Straight Driving Condition
   In straight-line driving, the torque for a single drive wheel is about 30.29N·m. While this condition is less complicated, it still requires consistent torque to overcome road friction and resistive forces, especially during long-distance transport of large components.

Optimizing Drive Motor Selection with Torque Calculations

The insights gained from torque analysis in various conditions offer valuable guidance for AGV motor selection and control strategies:

• Choose motors based on load weight, speed, and turning radius, ensuring optimal performance in different operational scenarios.

• Use adaptive control algorithms that adjust torque output dynamically in response to real-time road conditions and load changes, which improves both energy efficiency and motor lifespan.

• Continuously optimize control strategies to enhance AGV performance, ensuring the system operates efficiently in diverse logistics environments.

Conclusion:
Accurate differential drive AGV motor torque calculation is at the heart of automotive logistics automation. By applying proper torque analysis, businesses can design more effective drive systems that guarantee stable and efficient AGV operation across various working conditions. As AGV technology continues to evolve, optimizing motor torque control will lead to better performance, reduced risks, and greater efficiency in automotive manufacturing logistics.