KABELTRAX cable carriers prove successful in minivans

Numerous vehicle types from a variety of makes worldwide are equipped with the products from KABELTRAX. Daimler AG also relies on products from the system supplier. They are currently used in the sliding doors of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and the Mercedes-Benz Vito. The range is supplied with KABELTRAX systems for permanent power supply to the sliding doors through the supplier for the electrical system. Jrg Drews, Senior Manager Sales at TSUBAKI KABELSCHLEPP GmbH, explains: "We developed this solution in close cooperation with Daimler AG."

A technically sound approach for supplying the sliding doors with power is a so-called "direct connection'. This requires control and power cables to be routed into the door. This is where KABELTRAX drag chains can show their strengths. The system itself consists of an FEC (fixed end connector) as an interface between the drag chain and the body, the drag chain and the support tray as an interface between door and cable carrier. It can be pre-installed with the door or as a module (e.g. cassette). The drag chain and all other system components were developed especially for this application; in each case the design is based on proven and reliable technology. Cables, which were specially developed for these applications and tested according to the requirements of the European vehicle manufacturers by an independent laboratory, are also available. The corrosion-free complete system ensures failsafe power supply to the sliding door, has a long service life and is maintenance free. Modifications to the body - such as cutouts in the B-column which have a negative impact on crash performance - were not necessary.

Another advantage: a specific sliding door test bench in a climate chamber was available for the required endurance tests on the system. In addition to this, the experts from KABELTRAX ensure permanent customer care, documentation and reporting during the entire project process. Jrg Drews concludes: "This helped us to achieve the best possible result which satisfies all those involved."

Go to kabeltrax.de/en for more information about KABELTRAX cable carrier systems.