Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) rely on precise, adaptive systems for motion control and vibration absorption. Our engineering experience shows that air bellows are crucial in achieving these goals. By replacing traditional rigid actuators and isolators, air bellows significantly enhance AGV performance in dynamic environments. These flexible actuators and vibration isolators deliver more than 99% shock and vibration isolation, which protects sensitive onboard systems. Additionally, the uniform natural frequency of the air bellows ensures reliable performance regardless of changing operational loads. In compact AGV designs, air bellows provide low installation height and support tilt motion up to 25°. This level of flexibility is essential when navigating uneven surfaces or variable loads. Our air springs also offer lateral misalignment absorption, which reduces the need for precision guides, lowering overall system cost. Tevema is committed to delivering durable, customizable, and high-performance air bellows designed for evolving AGV technology.
Advantages of air bellows in compact AGV designs
AGVs must be agile and compact to maneuver in constrained industrial spaces. Traditional springs or rigid actuators require more space, reducing design flexibility. Our air bellows are engineered with a compact installation height, allowing integration into low-profile platforms. Additionally, their uniform stroke characteristics maintain consistent operation even under alternating loads. These features make them ideal for suspension systems within AGVs, especially in floor-sensitive environments. Unlike metal springs, rubberized bellows deliver effective noise reduction and prevent structurally transmitted vibrations. Their ability to operate with compressed air, oil, or nitrogen increases their media compatibility across various industries. We manufacture both single, double, and triple convolution bellows, ensuring each AGV application is met with optimal force distribution and load handling. Tevema bellows can reach strokes up to 400 mm and diameters up to 950 mm, maintaining performance across different structural constraints.
Load adaptability under variable operating pressures
AGVs often experience significant variation in load due to payload shifts or application changes. Our air bellows adapt seamlessly by regulating the internal air pressure, adjusting both height and force output in real time. This ensures that AGVs maintain their design height and vibration damping effectiveness without manual intervention. We offer both standard three-ply and high-strength four-ply constructions, which support operational pressures up to 12 bar. Our products also operate efficiently from as low as 2 bar, enabling low-force actuation when needed. This scalability allows AGVs to carry loads from 0.5 to 450 kN, while keeping the natural frequency stable. The low natural frequency prevents resonance, ensuring smooth motion in high-precision environments. Even under maximum pressure, the force exertion remains uniform across the stroke, reducing fatigue. For precise height control, our bellows maintain consistent dimensions under load, ideal for feedback-controlled automated platforms.
Enhancing operational life and reducing maintenance
Reliability is key to AGV deployment. Our air bellows are engineered to be maintenance-free, reducing system downtimes and operational costs. By eliminating sliding seals and metal-on-metal contact, wear is minimized, resulting in longer service life. AGVs benefit from extended product life due to the weather-resistant elastomer materials and corrosion-resistant steel end closures. We supply stainless steel and galvanized finishes, adaptable to harsh industrial conditions involving moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures. The bellows resist ozone, UV, and thermal degradation, ensuring consistent performance across years of use. Our rubber compounds include NBR, EPDM, and chlorobutyl, chosen based on the operational environment. The materials support a wide temperature range from -40°C up to +115°C depending on compound. Each bellow is vulcanized under controlled processes, securing high internal pressure tolerance without risk of delamination or leakage.
Air bellows as multifunctional actuator-isolators
AGVs require both movement and vibration isolation. Our air bellows serve as dual-purpose components, functioning as actuators and isolators in a single unit. This reduces component count and streamlines system integration. Their ability to absorb lateral misalignment up to 30 mm reduces wear and negates the need for precision alignment. In actuator mode, they exert axial thrust and support tilt angles of up to 25°, vital for applications involving angled platforms or uneven flooring. In isolator mode, they block more than 99% of unwanted mechanical vibrations, safeguarding onboard electronics and sensors. Our bellows offer natural frequencies ranging from 1.2 to 4.6 Hz depending on pressure and configuration. The wide diameter range and stroke flexibility make them suitable for both micro and heavy-duty AGVs. Load capacity scales proportionally with internal pressure and effective cross-sectional area.
Customizable design options for AGV integration
Each AGV model has its unique layout and load requirements. Tevema offers a wide variety of air bellow types, including dismountable, bead ring, and crimped designs, to suit different installation strategies. Our dismountable models with clamping bead rings and threaded end plates facilitate easy maintenance and retrofitting. Bead ring designs enable direct mounting without extra base plates. Crimped models provide leak-free durability where permanence is critical. The port locations and mounting threads are standardized for seamless integration into existing chassis layouts. Standard thread sizes include G1/4, G3/8, and G3/4 BSP, while mounting options range from M6 to M10 threaded holes. Plate diameters and center distances are provided for full interchangeability. Whether for centralized suspension systems or distributed isolator points, our solutions are designed for straightforward integration. All models comply with ISO 2230 storage standards, assuring longevity even before installation.
Material excellence and environmental resistance
Material choice is crucial when AGVs operate in aggressive environments. Our rubber-metal air bellows are produced using reinforced elastomers and corrosion-resistant metals. Each compound is selected based on its mechanical and chemical properties, ensuring optimal performance under pressure and in exposure to industrial chemicals. For instance, nitrile rubber performs well in oily environments, while EPDM resists ozone and thermal degradation. For metallic components, Tevema offers standard galvanized steel or stainless steel, with optional upgrades to higher corrosion-resistant grades upon request. Bellows are produced with steel reinforcement beads molded into the rubber matrix to resist burst failure. Each unit undergoes pressure testing to ensure durability. These materials are ideal for AGVs operating in cleanrooms, chemical processing, or humid environments. By offering these high-grade materials, Tevema ensures that our air bellows not only meet technical specifications but also outperform in challenging applications where reliability is mission-critical.
Boosting AGV energy efficiency and payload precision
AGVs must deliver precise load handling while minimizing energy consumption. Our air bellows help optimize energy use by reducing resistance during motion and eliminating the stick-slip effect found in conventional cylinders. The smooth movement profile ensures precise payload control, essential for handling fragile or hazardous materials. Additionally, the low-friction operation means less force is required to initiate and sustain motion, conserving air and reducing system strain. In energy-sensitive environments, such as battery-operated AGVs, our air springs prolong operational cycles between charges. Our bellows respond consistently to pressure input without lag, ideal for sensor-driven control loops. Compression and rebound cycles can be fine-tuned using pressure regulation valves for position-sensitive movement. Whether the AGV is sorting packages, managing inventory, or navigating tight aisles, our bellows ensure consistent performance. With a well-matched spring rate and reliable damping, AGVs maintain position accuracy, critical for safe and efficient industrial automation.