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PAN motor technology adds power to the bag!

12/26/

HOW MANY TIMES have you dragged your luggage through an airport and found yourself carrying it because it was easier than fighting with the bag? At the end of this year, that battle with the bag will be gone. Live Luggage is introducing a PA (Power Assisted) Series using PAN motor technology. All the electronics, software and motors are built into the wheels using rechargeable lithium-ion power cells, adding approximately the weight of two cell phones to the total luggage weight.

One charge should take the traveler at least 2.5 miles through an airport. Just plug it in with a conventional charger to be ready for the trip back. The suitcases also have a patented anti-gravity pullout handle which assists in shifting more weight to the wheels. In addition, the handle activates the motor when pulled out, and the suitcase stops immediately when you take your hand off the handle.

The luggage has inline skids to help travelers take the bag up and down stairs, and LEDs as a safety feature, making it visible crossing roadways at night. The cases use the latest developments in PAN wheel motor technology, lithium, and ion power cell technology. All the electronics, software and motors are built into the wheels.

Wheel motor specification:  
The cases have been designed to handle a 15% incline and can handle walking speeds of up to 5km/hour, driving a 160mm rolling diameter. Torque requirements of 1.85Nm per wheel allow the cases to overcome a hill climb at full speed. Using internal tooth technology, the case can produce a direct drive wheel motor with the following approximate dimensions: 190mm diameter x 25mm axial length. The motor will be wound for 12vdc and will give 5km/hour at this voltage. Current draw at full torque will be approximately 3A.

The motor is fitted with hall effects from commutation and speed control. The feedback from the hall effects can be used as movement sense for the motor drive. The motor design is incorporated into the wheel design to optimize weight.
 
The wheel motor's housing is constructed from engineering plastics. The structural elements are modified nylon or acetyl and the motor elements from polymers with specific thermal characteristics for heat dissipation. The rotating surfaces are plain bearings constructed from suitable compatible plastic materials.