Variants of electric-power steering systems
Morello offers a variety of electric power steering systems for its battery-powered carts, including:
- VS (VSP1/VSP3)
- VC (VCP1/VCP3)
- ± 90 °
- OMNI
One of Morello’s core areas of expertise lies in the customization of steering systems for self-propelled vehicles designed for heavy-load material handling within industrial environments. The use of transfer carts with steering wheels has gained widespread popularity across industries worldwide. The compelling advantages in terms of safety and logistical efficiency have prompted companies from various sectors to adopt electric power steering systems, gradually replacing traditional methods such as overhead cranes, rail trolleys, and towed trailers.
Battery-powered carts equipped with steering wheels provide highly effective solutions for transporting loads ranging from 5 tons to over 1000 tons. Different types of self-propelled vehicles, such as die transfer carts, feature various steering mechanisms to maximize the benefits of self-propelled solutions. What are the different types of EPS systems? Let’s explore the characteristics of each individual system.
Front axle steering
The simplest and most cost-effective steering system involves front-axle-only steering, similar to those found in regular cars.
This type of steering system has a relatively large turning radius, making it most efficient in spacious handling areas where access to loading and unloading bays is comfortable.
Front-axle-only steering is commonly employed in die transfer carts for transporting molds, tooling, steel materials such as coils, beams, tubes (e.g. coil carts), heavy machinery, and more.
All axles steering
A more sophisticated steering type is the all-axles steering system, which activates all steering axles to achieve a smaller turning radius. This feature is a key advantage, particularly in industrial material handling.
By using both front and rear axles that turn at specific angles, this electric power steering system establishes the center of rotation at a point on the centerline of the self-propelled vehicle.
However, it requires more room only for maneuvering, making it suitable for applications where extremely precise approach to structures, loading, and unloading positions is not necessary. Die transfer carts equipped with all-axles steering are widely used in automotive industries for mold transportation and in the steel industry.
This type of steering is also prevalent in AGV trolleys following predetermined paths, without the ability to reverse and requiring precise steering with both front and rear axles independently controlled.
Front steering ±90°
Sitting between the aforementioned types of steering systems, front axle steering by ±90° range offers an optimal balance between cost-effectiveness and a reduced turning radius. This cart steering mechanism utilizes the front wheel with a ±90° range to establish the center of rotation in the middle of the rear axle, resulting in a relatively small turning radius.
This steering system is commonly found in electric power pallet trucks designed by Morello. Additionally, it sees frequent use in one-way AGVs and applications where a small turning radius is essential, while adhering to budget constraints or specific machine size limitations.
Omnidirectional steering
Omnidirectional cart steering represents one of the most technologically advanced and flexible solutions offered by Morello. This steering system enables independent movement of all wheels in battery-powered carts, allowing for a wide range of steering maneuvers as depicted in the image above. Omnidirectional steering is particularly advantageous in scenarios where tight spaces necessitate precise navigation with clearances measured in millimeters.
By enabling movement in forward, backward, and sideways directions, as well as the ability to pivot around its center or a specific point, and even diagonal travel, this steering system stands as the most efficient solution for modern material handling across various industries. Consequently, carts equipped with omnidirectional steering are used for transporting heavy loads, such as tanks, large chillers, power transformers, prefabricated concrete components, elongated cylindrical objects, and more.
Customers who prefer this type of steering system are primarily active in the Oil & Gas sector, where battery-powered carts operate in constrained spaces aboard ships or offshore platforms. Another industrial sector that benefits from omnidirectional cart steering is power generation, with customers involved in the production of transformers, chillers, turbines, compressors, heat exchangers, and other heavy equipment. Omnidirectional cart steering is exceptionally well-suited for prefabrication, wind turbine manufacturing, and the nuclear energy sector, where cutting-edge solutions for heavy loads and safety are paramount.