Multifunctional Components in vehicle space frames - Cast parts for prototypes and small series

The development of light metal vehicle frame components is described by means of cast nodes. Coming from nodes, which are only joining elements for profiles the progress is defined by integration of additional functions into the joining elements. Energy absorption in the case of a crash and mounts four wheel suspensions and other vehicle components are examples for the enhanced capacities of the parts. The development is demonstrated by the example of frames with nodes, which were made within various vehicle research projects at LKR. Embedding more functions in the components lead to the Reduction of the number of singe parts in a system and to less tolerance adjustment. "Multifunctional castings" are clearly identified as a future trend in vehicle design.