Finding the sweet spot in truck layout

Finding the sweet spot in truck layout

Delver, D.

Van Grondelle, E.D. (mentor)
Quartel, C.D.A. (mentor)
Baten, G. (mentor)

Industrial Design Engineering

Industrial Design

Master specialisation Automotive

2014-11-26

The truck industry plays a major role in the transportation of goods within the European Union. Although the production of green house gasses has decreased in the past years, there is still room for improvement. The typical European truck nowadays is box-shaped due to current legislation. Upcoming changes of the European Commission in legislation on the maximum weights and dimensions of trucks offer the possibility to design more aerodynamic trucks, which will reduce fuel consumption and as a consequence, reduces the amount of greenhouse gasses. In addition to aerodynamic improvements, the upcoming changes should lead to an increase in safety and driver comfort as well. Furthermore, the extra length may not lead to an increased cargo capacity. Since there are no guidelines on the amount of length extension yet, this graduation project focuses on the investigation of the upcoming changes in legislation and the influence it will have on the typical European truck architecture and the styling that is related to it. The main goal is to find the sweet spot in truck layout. This project will function as a showcase of the future possibilities in truck layout. In order to create a solid foundation for the design of the future truck, four pillars of innovation are determined: aerodynamics, safety, layout and interior architecture. For aerodynamic purposes, it is key to keep the bodywork as clean as possible with the least amount of interruptions. This is specifically important for the transition between the frontal and side surface of the truck. The main focus on the safety topic will be on active safety for reducing the accident rates with trucks involved. Another major aspect to increase safety is the enlargement of the direct field vision of the truck driver. This is especially important in rural areas to prevent vulnerable road users to be in a collision with a truck. The frontal shape of the truck is very important for the ability to deflect other road users. The possible amount of length extension is investigated by creating a maximum design envelope for the future truck, in compliance with current legislation. An elongated front end of the truck has major implications for the truck its architecture. Due to the approach angle, axle loads and proper functioning in existing infrastructure, the front wheels are displaced in compliance with the front extension. A length extension is also beneficial for the level of comfort. Different interior setups are tested and rated. The chosen interior layout functions as a major input for the exterior on aspects like placement of the doors, A-, B- and C-pillars and the daylight opening. DAF’s unique selling point has been interior space and comfort. However, competitors have caught up in recent times. The current DAF trucks are proud and refined but lack an air of quality radiated by the exterior styling, while the surreptitious technology does live up to these standards. In the competitive field, DAF should aim at a more progressive and extravert spot, in order to draw the balance even between exterior styling and the high-end feel to the truck. This results in a paradigm shift from a proud and modest servant into a powerful leader. This is underlined by a more robust character that radiates more self-assurance and features a distinctive look. A future truck was realized using sketches, 3D-models and a physical model. The final outcome of the project is a 1:5 scale model of a future DAF truck, while keeping in mind all the challenges and in compliance with current legislation. Although the concept has not been tested on aerodynamics or safety performance, several factors are pointed out that are estimated to be an improvement in relation to the current typical boxy European trucks. This scale model is actually only a step in the design process and should not be seen as a final outcome that is ready for production. Several recommendations are made to further elaborate the design proposal towards a final new model.

trucks
mobility
DAF

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:a9cee76e-e8b2-496d-b2ee-1c1839e4f3ad

Campus only

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2014 Delver, D.