Drive modules

The software module supports four different types of drive modules. These drive modules have different advantages and disadvantages and can be combined into different horizontal drives to create different horizontal drive solutions.

The function blocks are integrated into the "SEW MOVIKIT® Custom Vehicle Kinematic Control" library.

Differential drive module

A differential drive module consists of two travel drives that provide the feed.

  • The direction of travel can be determined by the different direction of rotation and speeds of the individual wheels.
  • The travel drives are permanently connected to the vehicle in their direction of operation.

Turntable drive module

A turntable drive module consists of two travel drives that provide the feed.

  • The direction of travel can be determined by the different direction of rotation and speeds of the individual wheels.
  • The direction of travel can be determined independently from the vehicle orientation via a turntable drive mechanism.
  • A vehicle with at least two turntable drive modules can move omnidirectionally but not always without transition. The turntable drive modules may need to be aligned before travel.

Travel/steering drive module

A travel/steering drive module consists of a classic drive wheel and an additionally driven rotation axis that can turn the drive wheel.

  • The travel drive provides feed to the vehicle by driving the wheel.
  • A vehicle with at least two travel/steering drive modules can move omnidirectionally but not always without transition. The drive wheels may need to be aligned before travel.

Steering drive module

A steering drive module consists of a driven rotation axis.

  • To generate propulsion, a steering drive module must always be used in combination with another drive module type.

There is no mathematical limit to the possible combinations of different horizontal drives. You can freely combine the drive modules and use any number of them. Only the mechanical properties determine the usefulness of a combination.