Covestro and project partners have designed an innovative table system for autonomous vehicles, highlighting the possibilities opened up by thermoplastic composites in providing lightweight, durable and aesthetically valuable parts for future mobility.
Autonomous driving and car sharing will make the interior of the car a living and working space. As drivers become passengers, they need a flexible interior to accommodate new activities, such as working on the road. The tripartite alliance of Covestro, Austrian Engel and Dr. Schneider has developed a thermoplastic composite solution for lightweight but mechanically strong, foldable tables to meet such demands in autonomous driving.
Project partners have different tasks in the project. Covestro designed the components, checked the adhesion properties of PUR foam, carried out CAE simulations on the load situation, and determined the load direction of the fiber fabric layer. In addition, the suspension of the composite blade in the tool was simulated to optimize production.
ENGEL's core tasks are heating materials, processing soft composite materials and molding in injection molding machines. Dr. Schneider has developed a tool with variable temperature control for composite material molding to ensure flawless surface quality. In addition, the tool is designed in such a way that the insert is evenly placed on the tool wall without forming wrinkles.
Florian Dorin, Covestro automotive composites expert, said: "Maezio® thermoplastic composites have great potential for high-stress and decorative lightweight components inside and outside the car. But to achieve this goal, we need a very strong partner. Relationship, and this is what we have established with these two partners to enable the industry to adapt to future travel trends."