Automotive engineering

Specific Requirements and Technical Solutions

Durability of Control Elements in Commercial Vehicles

Drivers of trucks or buses operate rocker switches and pushbuttons hundreds of times daily. Premature wear of the mechanics would jeopardize the vehicle’s operational readiness. ALDERS offers high-performance components from OTTO Controls for this purpose. These switch solutions have been specially developed for the high demands in vehicle dashboards and often withstand several million switching cycles. Due to their robust design and precise switching characteristics, they guarantee consistent haptics and function over the entire lifespan of the vehicle, which massively reduces maintenance costs for fleet operators.

Safety and Precision for Hydraulic Systems

The control of tail lifts, tipping bodies, or changing systems requires the highest precision to avoid accidents and property damage during loading and unloading. ALDERS supplies ergonomic joysticks and control grips from partners such as GT Joysticks and OTTO Controls for this purpose. These control elements enable sensitive regulation of the hydraulics and are mechanically designed so that they do not malfunction even under strong vibration loads during driving. We also adapt these grips individually, for example, by integrating additional buttons or specific cable assemblies for seamless integration into the vehicle electronics.

Sealing against Dust, Water, and Chemical Media

Control elements in vehicle technology, especially in outdoor areas or exposed cabin positions, must be protected against the ingress of foreign substances. ALDERS uses the expertise of premium partner APM Hexseal for this. With specialized sealing caps, pushbuttons, rocker switches, and potentiometers can be effectively shielded against dirt, water, and even acids. These solutions ensure that the instruments function flawlessly at all times, even when cleaned with high-pressure devices or when used under extreme weather conditions, and that the internal electrical contacts remain protected from corrosion.

Specific Sealing Solutions for Electromobility

E-mobility places new demands on housing technology, especially for the encapsulation of battery packs and power electronics. Here, one hundred percent protection against moisture is essential to avoid short circuits in the high-voltage system. ALDERS offers self-sealing screws, nuts, and washers from APM Hexseal for this purpose. These fasteners have an integrated O-ring made of high-performance elastomers, which creates a pressure-tight connection when screwed in. This technology is ideal for battery covers and electronics housings in electric vehicles, as it guarantees a permanent seal even under the influence of vibrations and thermal expansions.