Main problems of creating surface traction-transport vehicles with mechatronic systems

Abstract

The article enumerates the main problems encountered in creating main traction-transport vehicles (TTV) units as mechatronic systems. The authors review the results of the comprehensive theoretical and experimental studies of creating TTVs - automobiles and tractors of the future based on mechatronic systems. The analysis of the results shows that TTV progress is only possible based on a broad introduction of mechatronic modules into vehicle designs. This significantly increases the role of electronics and control systems. The paper shows that TTVs with mechatronic systems cannot be unambiguously described mathematically based on the existing theory of applied mechanics - the theory of automobile/tractor. We need a theory describing the laws governing the functioning both of individual TTV systems with their interrelationships, and of the object as a whole. The importance is now given to the problem of creating the algorithmic and software support of the devices for power conversion and control, coordination and achievement of the systemic compatibility of parameters, for example, of electric equipment, electronics, and hydraulic, pneumatic, and hydro-pneumatic TTV systems, based on this theory. The development of such a theory as a refinement of the existing theory of automobile/tractor is one of the main tasks of the applied mechanics. The main conclusion of the studies, conducted by the authors, is that TTVs of the future should be built as a module-based complex of mechatronic systems; and ideally, it should be a mobile robot intended for various functional applications. © Springer-Verlag 2013.