Many applications in commercial vehicles would be unthinkable without linear solutions: they enable adjustment of seats in excavators and rollers, facilitate handling of patient stretchers in ambulances, or guarantee firefighters rapid access to their equipment. All mechanical components must be carefully selected for the development of customized solutions for all types of highly specialized vehicles, vehicle conversions for the disabled or use in unconventional environments. This applies in particular to moving parts such as telescopic slides and linear guides.
Linear technology requirements for special vehicles
Linear solutions used in the automotive industry must have different characteristics depending on the field of application. The main requirements are robustness, precision and durability. A compact design is also an advantage, as the installation space available in vehicles is generally limited.
In special-purpose vehicles, such as ambulances, utility vehicles, fire engines, folding trailers or vehicles fitted out for the disabled, the telescopic slides and linear guides used must be resistant to shock and vibration. What’s more, they must operate efficiently when exposed to corrosive environmental conditions, contamination, dirt or temperature fluctuations. Construction vehicles also require particularly dirt-resistant linear units for adjusting seats or sliding control panels, due to the generally harsh and unfavorable ambient conditions.
Important features for automotive engineering :
– Compact design
– High load capacity
– Long service life
– Lightweight and smooth running
– Rigidity
– Functional reliability
– Corrosion-resistant surfaces
– Compensation for misalignment
– High robustness
– High precision
Telescopic slides with partial or full extensions
Telescopic slides are used in particular in the special vehicle sector. They are versatile, enabling components of all kinds to be pulled in and out, opened and closed, guaranteeing optimum use of space in special vehicles. Telescopic slides are available in full and partial extension. To guarantee optimum operation, telescopic rails must be robust, shock- and vibration-resistant and self-aligning. Low deflection is also important.
Examples of applications for telescopic slides :
– extensions for tools, generators and emergency pumps on emergency vehicles
– Extendable platforms for fire containers
– Trailer and platform extensions on trucks
– Door opening systems
– Stretcher and table extensions and LED screen adjustments in ambulances and emergency vehicles
Linear guides for adjustment and movement
Whereas telescopic slides are used in extension systems, linear guides are used for adjustment and movement. In addition to the greatest possible freedom from friction and wear, and smooth operation, many applications also require resistance to friction and corrosion. If the solution is lubricated for life, maintenance effort is also minimized – ideal for use in special vehicles.
Examples of applications for linear guides :
– Housing adjustments
– Mobile control panels
– Sliding doors
– Roof extensions/roof slides
– Opening systems for motor hoods
Comments are closed.