Development progress of the Vario-Load-Rescue
Lighting
A self-sufficient interior and exterior lighting unit has been developed for the Vario-Load-Rescue to ensure ideal working conditions even during night operations. Certification of the lighting unit is currently being processed.
TÜV SÜD
With the first Vario-Load-Rescue, we were successful at TÜV SÜD and in particular fulfilled all requirements according to VDI 2700. The certificate is still being prepared.
Manufacturing & Assembly
Production and assembly have been completed. In the process, important findings for future optimization were identified, which will be implemented in all new versions.
Design
The design of the Vario-Load-Rescue has been completed. In the process, we were able to successfully implement all the requirements from the user evaluation, the factual analysis and the measurement tests.
Measurement tests
Potholes, cornering, full braking - our prototype had to endure this and much more in order to be able to generate meaningful measurement results. The measured values are incorporated into simulations and strength calculations in order to make final adjustments to the Vario-Load-Rescue.
Setting up a measurement concept
Potholes, emergency braking and other hazards in road traffic cause high dynamic loads on the trailer and thus also on the load carrier. In order to ensure the safety of the load and, above all, of the users, we have set up a measurement concept with which we can record the loads that occur and take them into account in the design.
Concept phase
Based on the new requirements from the survey and the factual analysis, we were able to develop new concepts that significantly improve user-friendliness, ergonomics, space efficiency and much more. In addition, the new load carrier is much more flexible, which is why it can be better adapted to the different needs of the THW local units.
User evaluation and factual analysis
After about two years, the load carrier was sufficiently in use to set up a qualitative survey about the user experience. In addition, we conducted a factual analysis for the mechanical evaluation of the prototype so that, in combination with the results from the user analysis, we could find any potential for improvement and incorporate it into the optimization of the load carrier. These evaluations were carried out as part of a research project in collaboration with Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences.
EXIST-Gründerstipendium
On December 1, 2020, we received the EXIST-Gründerstipendium, which will enable us to push this great project further and soon make it available to everyone. Therefore, a big thank you at this point to the BMWi, the PtJ and the Gründungsbüro Kaiserslautern.
From concept to 35th prototype deployment
In a cooperation with the University of Kaiserslautern and the THW, a first prototype of the load carrier could be constructed for the recovery team. The requirements necessary for this were obtained from a statistical evaluation of the mission material and a survey of the helpers in the THW. After the first missions, the great added value of the prototype has already become apparent, which has been further strengthened by the great acceptance and encouragement in the THW. After the 35th mission, the two-year deployment period and the changing requirements for the mission material have provided enough information to evaluate the prototype and turn it into a market-ready product.
