Collaborative concept for innovative vehicle structures / Bertrandt and SGL Group present 'Carbon Carrier' technology demonstrator

摘要

Bertrandt and the SGL Group have worked closely together to develop the Carbon Carrier technology demonstrator, a new, integrated concept for an innovative structural component that highlights new load paths. The Carbon Carrier, which has the potential for volume production, combines a lightweight design based on fibre composites with function integration. It is an ideal example of the use of a modern material mix in car design. Carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) play an important role in lightweight structures and Bertrandt and the SGL Group have brought together their complementary expertise to demonstrate the capabilities of this type of material. Their aim was to develop a technology demonstrator that is suitable for mass production and that offers new configuration and design options for the body and interior of a car. The new concept was based on the body of an electric two-seater convertible which was designed by Bertrandt. This type of car was chosen because it is very difficult to compensate for the weakness of the body, which is caused by the lack of a roof structure, the space needed for the battery and the low seating position. A functional package model for the interior of the front part of the car was developed on the basis of the body design. The model includes all the functional components and trim from a traditional instrument panel. A newly developed design language has been used for the technology demonstrator. This has led to a central load path and CFRP components that are visible to the driver. The design with the 'flying cockpit' gives the interior an open, airy, floating feel which is perfect for a convertible. The structural components that transfer the load and the cross beam for the rear battery holder that supports the load have also been redesigned. Care was taken during the development of the Carbon Carrier to ensure that the components, technologies and assembly concepts used were already suitable for mass production or would be in the near future. In electric cars a reduction in weight means a longer range. The most difficult challenge facing the developers was to identify the best possible configuration of matrix and fibre materials, fibre length, proportion and orientation, and layer structure and process technology for each complex component which fulfilled the various requirements. The process of designing the body also included defining a neutral mounting bracket. The Carbon Carrier is a highly innovative component and clearly demonstrates how new types of structures could be designed in the car concepts of the future.