Omni Wheel for the Future

Due to the development of automobiles, we gradually have higher and higher requirements for wheels, hoping that cars can be more flexible while driving. For example, when turning, you can get a smaller turning radius, or make parking more convenient.

The steering of Omni-directional wheels is different from universal wheels in that they do not rely on the steering of rotating joints, but move and steer according to the vector size of the force. Therefore, Omni wheels carry out steering movements in the case of directional installation.

The difference of steering between Omni-directional wheels and universal wheels forms the difference in application.

1. The Omni-directional wheel is more controlled in steering direction and position. However, the rotating bracket of the universal wheel is uncontrolled at many times. Under the influence of comprehensive external factors, the rotating joint does not turn to the desired position and direction. (such as there’s a foreign object stuck in the rotating joint, etc.). The steering of the Omni-directional wheels is completely different, enabling precise steering control.
2. When designing the chassis layout with universal wheels, it is necessary to leave enough space for the rotation of its swivel bracket. However, the layout design of Omni-directional wheels will not cause this problem due to the directional installation. Therefore, the Omni-directional wheels allow for the requirement of more compact design.
3. The rotation radius of the Omni-directional wheel is relatively small, and it can even rotate in place around its geometric center. Relatively speaking, if you use a universal wheel, you need a relatively large space for rotation. Therefore, Omni-directional wheels have obvious advantages in steering movements in narrow spaces.
4. When using Omni-directional wheels for steering, there will be no tire grinding caused by rotating joint jamming, or tire jamming in the gap of the road surface. And with Omni-directional wheels, there will be no direction contradiction between wheels as universal wheels.

Based on the above analysis, the universal wheel is the most commonly used steering caster. However, if there are requirements for steering accuracy and controllability, or for the size of the steering space, or for the compactness of the chassis layout in application, Omni-directional wheels will perform better than universal wheels.

At present, Omni-directional wheels have been widely used in robots, intelligent wheelchairs, intelligent equipment and other fields. Fujian Secure Medical Technology Co., Ltd is a professional supplier of Omni-directional wheels based on its 20 years caster production experience, and its Omni wheel brand is the leader in this global segment.