Omnidirectional Transporter for Engine Assembly
Case Study
Summary
An engine manufacturer needed a low-profile, easy-to-maneuver transporter to move 50,000 lb engine assemblies through tight production areas and into test rooms the size of a single car garage. Overhead cranes are not available in all areas of their facility because these engines need to travel between different wings of their facility. The engine assemblies reach up to 14 feet tall and the test room doorway is approximately 14 feet high, the lower-profile transporter reduced the need for time-consuming engine disassembly that was required with their previous, taller unit to fit through the door.
Align Production Systems engineered a low-profile, RF-controlled, multi-drive flatbed transporter featuring omnidirectional steering, custom pivot drive modes, Slipnot traction surfaces, recessed lifting lugs, and an innovative internal oil-management gutter system to protect internal components.
Key Highlights
The transporter only measures approximately 21" high, delivering high capacity loads while maintaining one of the lowest profiles achievable with current drive technology.
A specialized drive mode allows operators to pivot around any selected steer wheel, enabling controlled rotation around a fixed point for navigating tight 90-degree turns.
Slipnot top plates, rubber gaskets, and internal drainage gutters help manage oil drips from engine assemblies, directing fluids away from sensitive electrical components.
“They have some very tight spaces they have to navigate with this transporter, which is part of the reason they needed a transporter rather than an overhead crane.”
– Walter Para, Mechanical Engineer
Oil Mitigation & Surface Protection
Because engine assemblies may contain residual oil, the transporter includes:
- Slipnot textured top plates for traction
- Rubber gaskets between plates
- Plugged surface penetrations
- Internal drainage gutters directing fluids toward discharge points near the lifting lugs
While not waterproof, the system provides layered protection to help prevent contamination of internal controls.
Air Bearing Rescue Recesses
In the event of a mechanical issue or power loss, Airfloat air casters can be inserted into these designated areas to lift and safely relocate the transporter without disassembling major components. This feature adds an extra layer of operational security and minimizes potential downtime. By integrating this capability directly into the frame design, Align ensures that even in unexpected situations, the equipment can be moved efficiently and safely within the facility.
Safety & Visibility Features
The transporter is equipped with multiple safety and visibility features to support safe operation in active production environments. Emergency stop buttons are positioned at each corner of the unit, allowing quick access from any side. Integrated light and horn assemblies provide both visual and audible alerts to provide operator awareness and communicate movement to nearby personnel. Additionally, clear plexiglass windows with internal lighting allow operators to visually confirm the orientation of the steerable drives and idlers before and during movement, improving control and reducing the risk of positioning errors in tight spaces.
Conclusion
This project highlights Align Production Systems’ ability to adapt a flatbed transporter to highly specialized production environments. By integrating custom pivot steering, ultra-low-profile modifications, contamination systems, and enhanced maneuverability features, Align delivered a precision transport solution tailored to demanding facility constraints. The result is a highly mobile, high-capacity omnidirectional transporter engineered for strength and performance in modern manufacturing environments.
