IDEC introduced its ez-Wheel Assist Wheel Drive (AWD) EW1A Series, a solution providing electrical motion assistance for industrial manual material handling equipment.
As per a press statement from IDEC, with the help of an EW1A, workers can safely move heavy loads, increasing productivity and efficiency. The EW1A reportedly addresses safety issues with an integrated electric motorized wheel solution that is retrofitted onto existing trollies or designed into new equipment.
The EW1A system consists of a few modular components, with numerous options to satisfy new equipment designs, or aftermarket retrofits by maintenance personnel. The main drive unit is available with 150mm or 160mm resilient polyurethane wheels, and the ability to support a vertical working load up to 400kg, and to transfer loads up to 1000kg. A suspension bracket provides an adaptable way to add the main drive unit to upgrade any equipment.
All models can accept internal batteries, which are recharged with a specific cable and charger. However, for greater capacity designers can alternately choose to use an external battery pack by means of an adapter cable. Batteries operate at a nominal 24V DC, with capacities ranging from 3Ah to 15Ah, depending on the model. The wheels operate at about 0 to 5km/hr (0 to 3mph) in both directions and are available with adjustable braking modes and an option parking brake. The wheels are rated for indoor use, in non-freezing temperatures and up to 40°C.
Two controller options are available. The standard controller is a compact panel, much like a pendant control but fixed-mounted, with an on/off button, forward/reverse speed control thumbwheel, and a lighted or unlighted emergency stop button. A two-handle-type controller is also available with the same functionality implemented into a pair of handles, which can be oriented vertically or horizontally as needed. The handle-type controller is available with or without a battery charge status LED indicator. ez-Config software running on a PC and connected using a standard USB cable lets users configure operating parameters, such as forward/reverse speed, acceleration time, deceleration mode, assist time limit, time to sleep mode, and more.
The IDEC ez-Wheel Assist Wheel Drive EW1A Series can reportedly be retrofitted on any existing moving equipment as an aftermarket solution, to upgrade and update working capabilities.
