Hyundai Motor Bags Innovation Award For Intrado Carbon Frame Design

Hyundai Motor has received the Jury Prize at the JEC Innovation Awards 2015 for its innovative carbon-fibre frame design showcased on the Intrado concept car. The prize was presented during the JEC Europe 2015 conference in Paris this month.

The JEC Innovation Awards recognize technical excellence, market potential and originality, rewarding the most innovative composite solutions worldwide. The organization selected the lightweight and futuristic frame of Intrado, which complements the concept’s advanced fuel-cell powertrain and design, representing the progressive spirit of Hyundai Motor.

At the core of Intrado’s pioneering frame are carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) sections, which are based on carbon-fibre tubes. This approach allows for more effective and flexible use of the carbon material, avoiding offcuts and long energy-consuming preparation processes. The unique process is a major forward step when compared to conventional steel and other CFRP chassis architectures.

The minimalistic, self-supporting skeleton-like frame structure is highly stable and extremely light weight, saving 70% weight compared to a conventional chassis and around 30% on the overall vehicle weight, without compromising safety attributes.

One essential element of the frame’s overall rigidity is the floating centre console beam. This beam provides Intrado with its unique strength as well as connecting the seating and powertrain to the carbon frame. It serves as a mounting point for essential controls and adds to the vehicle’s protective structure. Additionally, it supports the frame’s integration with the fuel cell powertrain components.

The Intrado frame is a result of global collaboration and knowledge-exchange not only within Hyundai Motor but also with two of the world’s pre-eminent carbon fibre producers - Lotte Chemical and Hyosung Corporation. The frame was manufactured by Axon Automotive.
Credit: Hyundai