Please note: Our texts are translated automatically. Errors may occur during this process.
The first self-designed landing gear parts are in the pipeline. The visible complexity of the wheel carrier, which is shown on the driver’s side, already gives an idea of the scope of the development and the associated coordination of all the players involved.
While the positioning of the wheels under the outer panel was still inconspicuously simple in the first phase of the design, the impact on all connected components became apparent as the detailing of the chassis concept progressed. The limiting boundary conditions of the connected components in turn had an effect on the requirements for the wheel carriers themselves. The specification of the preferred use of established carry-over parts from the automotive industry helped to narrow down the decision matrix: The tire determined the possible rims, the rims determined the wheel bearing, the wheel bearing determined the speed sensor and the drive shaft connection. All the superimposed space requirements of the components moving in relation to each other in turn limited the installation space to be kept free in the center of the wheel carrier.
The kinematics concept then defined the connection of longitudinal and transverse control arms and also the axle tube mounted on both sides. The weights and moments determined the bearing arrangements. The rim and movement space of the suspension strut again limited the installation space available outside the center of the wheel carrier to accommodate the expected loads. A simulation program fed with the thus determined design space and the conservatively assumed load profile then provided valuable information for the thus topology optimized design of the wheel carrier. Finally, the limiting boundary conditions resulting from the specification of a sand casting process suitable for series production and the resulting possible demolding were taken into account.
Following test casting, casting of initial samples and subsequent X-ray analysis, the wheel carriers are currently undergoing machining finishing and are expected to be ready for initial assembly in Rosenthal in the next few weeks. We will report on the influx of further chassis and other parts here in the news or live during our regular Saturday presentations in Rosenthal. We are looking forward to seeing you!
