The engineers at VDS

have many years of experience in the development of transmissions, drivetrains and drive systems for the most demanding applications in agricultural tractors, municipal vehicles, forestry machinery and all types of off-highway applications.

In addition to our core competencies in the field of CVT/IVT based on the hydrostatic-mechanical power split principle, VDS also focuses on transmissions for electric drives as well as Powershift and Powershuttle applications. Customized solutions of the patented VTP and VRP power split systems are available in a power range from 80 to 420 kW.

Let us know your requirements – our experienced team of engineers will find the right solution for you.

Tools for simulation and design:

• CAD software: CATIA
• Wiring harness design: ePlan
• Gear and gearing analysis: KISSsoft / KISSsys
• Finite element analysis: ANSYS
• Simulation: AMESIM
• VDS’s own simulation software

Software

The experience gained in numerous projects and the in-depth understanding of complex mechatronic systems enable the software engineers at VDS to develop optimum solutions for your application.

The control software is not only optimized to ensure outstanding controllability of the machine, but also to maximize the efficiency of the entire drivetrain. The use of modern tools such as MATLAB/Simulink forms the basis for a flexible and highly reliable development process in order to adapt control software precisely to customer requirements.

State-of-the-art toolchains that take V development steps into account enable rapid software adaptations and fine-tuning of functional behavior while meeting functional safety requirements.

Our tools:

• MATLAB Simulink, SimMechanics, Embedded Coder
• Vector Informatik CANape
• EPLAN Electric P8
• Bosch BODAS Service Tools

In close cooperation

Together with our manufacturing partners, VDS is able to provide tools, parts and components for prototypes within a short period of time, including initial sampling.

Once the prototypes have been assembled, sensors and measuring devices are installed and extensive tests are carried out on our functional test benches. Together with our analysis team, the measurement data is compared with the simulation results in order to continuously adjust and confirm the design and construction parameters.

Once the functional tests have been successfully completed and the parameters fine-tuned, extensive endurance tests are carried out on our test benches. VDS has test benches with two or three machines and a maximum test power of approx. 250 kW.

The installation of transmissions in test vehicles, including the adaptation of interfaces and field tests for data acquisition and confirmation of load spectra, is also part of the VDS services.

Tools for production data acquisition and testing:

• Measuring and data processing system: imc CS-7008-1
• Noise emission and localization: SevenBel
• Function test stand for lubrication, thermal behavior, inclination, efficiency
• Test bench for hydraulic components
• Cold test bench
• 2- or 3-machine test stand for endurance tests, test power up to 250 kW
• Axle and transaxle test stand, maximum axle torque up to 90 kNm
• Extreme load tests

Support for series production

On request, VDS supports the set-up of series production directly at the customer’s premises. VDS also offers the production and delivery of assemblies (e.g. planetary gearboxes, coupling units, pumps), gearboxes and drive systems in small to medium quantities.

The transition from prototype production to series production is seamless and of high quality, as the specialist knowledge and experience of the engineers and assembly staff from the development phase flows directly into the production process. The use of modular assemblies and components in various gearboxes increases production figures and enables competitive cost structures.

VDS Driveline specializes in the production of gearboxes and complex drive systems for niche applications that require highly qualified assembly personnel.

In close cooperation with our suppliers, components are optimized with regard to tool requirements and production technologies in order to guarantee the required quality at reasonable costs.

To ensure that all functional and quality requirements are met, every gearbox is extensively tested on our end-of-line test bench before delivery.