Adept Lynx Platform - Manual (Page 39)

Adept Lynx Platform User's Guide, Rev B
Page 39 of 116
Chapter 4: Payloads
Everything that you attach to the Lynx platform is referred to as the payload.
In some custom cases, Adept designs and builds the payload. In most cases, you will need to
design a payload that suits your application. This chapter discusses considerations to be
aware of when you design a payload for your Lynx platform.
The Lynx platform provides the mobility and navigation you will need, as well as power and
I/O connections between the platform and your payload, so the two can work effectively
together.
4.1 Considerations
The main factors to consider in designing a payload are the size, weight, and center of gravity
of the payload, and power requirements. Adding weight to the Lynx platform tends to have
less effect on run-time than adding electrical power requirements. Additional weight will have
more effect on carpet than on hard surfaces.
Weight
Increased payload weight will decrease your AIV's run-time. This will be most noticeable if
you are driving the AIV up an incline. On level ground, a certain amount of extra weight will
not shorten the AIV's run-time very much. When adding a payload with substantial weight,
the center of gravity of the entire AIV needs to be considered. This is particularly important if
you intend to equip the Lynx platform with a robot arm, which would be lifting items off-cen-
ter from the Lynx platform.
A heavy payload, with most of its weight concentrated just above the Lynx platform, will be
much more stable than the same weight payload in which the weight is either off-center or
high above the top of the platform.
NOTE: The weight of your payload added to the weight of the parts it is carrying
must not exceed 60 kg (132 lb).
Power Consumption
Using devices on your payload that consume significant power will noticeably shorten the
run-time of the AIV. You should try to minimize such power consumption whenever possible.
Examples of power-consuming payloads would be one with a robot arm attached, or any
motorized fixture as part of the payload. The standard Operator screen and light discs con-
sume some power, but are not significant compared to the rest of the platform.
The battery is rated at 1500 W*hr (1.5 kWh). Unloaded, the platform uses from 80 - 107 W.
With a full load, this increases to 94 - 125 W. (The range for each reflects the speed at which
the platform is driven.) You can use the wattage of any accessories you add to your payload,
added to these typical values, to calculate the expected run-time per charge.