Please note: Our texts are translated automatically. Errors may occur during this process.
One of the complex but equally ingenious components of the new TWIKE 5 will be its roll bar. In addition to its namesake function of rollover protection in the event of an involuntary rollover, for example, other safety functions will also be integrated in it for the benefit of the targeted lightweight design. For example, it absorbs the restraining forces of the upper deflection of the three-point seat belt in it, but also effectively absorbs crash energy in the event of a foreign object hitting the side wall.
The roll bar, which is made of high-strength fiber composite, is also an extremely weight-optimized structural component that connects the base frame and the rear chassis, thus optimally taking into account the latter’s force influences. Furthermore, due to the low manufacturing tolerances of its production process, reliable sealing levels can be realized with high repeatability, which will help to reduce assembly times and, above all, will be reflected in a perfect finish of the related surfaces.
The special requirements and the desired geometry necessitate the manufacture of the stirrup in tools to be developed specifically for this purpose. At first glance, this seems expensive, as we wanted to avoid special tooling costs in the small series as far as possible, but in view of the high degree of integration of the functions (safety, structural element, sealing levels, finished and matching surfaces) and the possible lightweight design, the initial costs are foreseeably put into perspective even with a 500-series production run, making the solution economical. Last but not least, the roll bar is a visual design object that also optimally communicates the basic character of the TWIKE 5 (safe, powerful, efficient).
If you would like to get a deeper insight into the development process at this point in time, please visit us and take a test drive with the TWIKE 4.
We are happy!
