Application Technology

Tasked with the challenge of designing and developing a brand new and complex component for a global Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturer, TR Fastenings used its extensive experience and know-how to produce a unique fastening solution for the vehicle’s central console. 

As the EV market grows worldwide, automotive designers and engineers, together with manufacturers, are completely rethinking the design of EVs in order to provide consumers with the most advanced, high-tech specifications they now expect, without compromising on passenger comfort and user experience in any way. In this instance, TR’s customer required a bespoke spring and spool product for the sliding central console, with three different versions designed specifically for installation in the tray, cup holder and lid.  

The challenging aspect of the application was the need to execute a precise speed and timeframe of the open and close mechanism, only achievable through advanced fastener technology. To create a smooth and continuous motion of the central console mechanism, TR had to match the spring performance with a suitable damper to ensure the console travelled smoothly and at a continuous speed, both in a stationary vehicle or when driving over a bumpy road.

As nothing like this was currently available in the market, TR brought its expert teams together from global locations, facilitating a high-level of collaboration and technical expertise to develop this highly specialised component. Teams from TR USA and TR Sweden worked closely with several global manufacturers to design and assemble the final spring and spool product. 

The spring and spool assembly translates linear motion into rotation – an assembly that was tailored to the application to fulfil its function smoothly and without noise. In order to do this, the spool was specifically designed to align with the geometry of the spring. The spool was manufactured from a specific polymer to improve control and lubricity, as well as low static and dynamic sliding friction against the mating surfaces. 

Utilising years of experience in developing complex parts and working closely with customers and their drawings, TR was able to meet the specific challenges of this application. The company was also able to support the customer with cost efficiencies thanks to a reduced size of the spool decreasing material costs and speeding up installation time.  

Patrik Ringdahl, project engineer at TR commented: “Finding the right solution is my passion and working alongside our customer on this project was an incredible opportunity to bring that to life. Leveraging our experience and global supplier network, we designed a solution that not only met the customers’ precise needs but also provided enhanced functionality and durability. This approach means our customer benefits from a reliable, high performance component, supporting their commitment to quality and innovation. Growing with our customers to create functional, forward thinking solutions is what drives our teams at TR, every day.”