TPV AUTOMOTIVE receives one gold and four silver awards for innovation

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On 9 September, 2020, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Dolenjska and Bela krajina  conferred awards for the best innovations in the Dolenjska and Bela krajina region in 2020.

The awards committee consisting of seven members awarded five TPV AUTOMOTIVE innovations in total, one gold and four silver.

  • Gold was awarded for »Universal robot »BIN PICKING« cell« to Boštjan Piletič, Jože Pezdirc, Dario Novak, Miroslav Kuharič, Alen Černelč, Boris Antolovič, Jernej Knežič, Matjaž Sotler, mag. Igor Lekše, Mišo Pereško, Srečko Basarac of TPV AUTOMOTIVE d.o.o. and dr. Mario Žganec, dr. Aleš Mihelič, dr. Stanislav Gruden, dr. Boštjan Vesnicer, dr. Žiga Golob, dr. Jaka Kravanja, dr. Jerneja Žganec Gros of ALPINEON, d. o. o.

Description of the innovation:

The innovation is a complete novelty in the global market. We have developed and produced a universal bin picking cell capable of recognizing and picking 3D objects of complex shapes in a packaging unit. The modular concept of the robot cell makes it easy to integrate into various systems. Due to the easy 3D model import of new objects into the program, the users can independently adjust the cell to their needs. The cell can be applied in most industries faced with the problem of moving pieces from scattered to oriented. The cell is also useful for integration in applications where the operator position is non-ergonomic. For testing purposes, the company has integrated the first cell into a production line for welding seat components.

  • Silver was awarded for »Geometry optimization of reinforcement triangle with regards to process manufacturability« to Simon Miklič,  mag. Vili Malnarič, Miha Končar, Marko Malnarič, Stane Nemanič, Ines Rajkovič and dr. Tomaž Savšek.

Description of the innovation:

The innovation develops geometry optimization of reinforcement triangle, which protects the battery of an electric vehicle against mechanical damage. The diploma thesis was created in cooperation between the Faculty and a company that is a development supplier in the automotive industry. In the thesis, we successfully reduced the mass of the product compared to the reference product and developed a technologically and cost-effective product. The innovative product has been validated by the end customer and is being produced in a large-scale production. The newly acquired knowledge also helps carry out similar projects in the company.

  • Silver was awarded for »Innovative shape of bushing for prevention of bushing – tube separation and assuring drainage of surface protection fluids during the coating process« to Mitja Glavan, Jurij Kuretič, Silvester Urek and Franc Bevc.

Description of the innovation:

One of the leading car manufacturers approached TPV AUTOMOTIVE and SiEVA group with a problem concerning bushing insertion into a car hood mounting component. Due to exposure of the assembly, it was necessary to provide an adequate surface protection to achieve the desired product lifespan. The manufacturer also faced problems with bushing fixation in the assembly. Potential changes of the whole assembly concept would result in project delays, delays in start of production and cost increase. A group of innovators has developed a completely new form of bushing that effectively solves the problem of bushing fixation and at the same time ensured a complete surface protection of the assembly, increasing product lifespan and reducing cost.

  • Silver was awarded for »Robotization of palletization on automated transfer line with scanning system« to Mišo Pereško, Igor Lekše, Veljko Goleš, Andrej Kirm, Domen Murn and Črt Bučar.

Description of the innovation:

The innovation replaces a worker with a robot in repeated operations of loading and removing products from welding tools. A worker has restrictions on repetitive movements, so errors in production may occur. By robotizing the line, we relieve the operator, prevent the possibility of errors and increase the frequency of products. The current system and experience can be transferred to other jobs with repetitive movements and a large number of operations. This way we are one step closer to TPV AUTOMOTIVE’s vision which strives for Industry 4.0 and competitiveness increase in the market.

  • Silver was awarded for »Innovation platform TPV Innovation Station« to Stefan Cvijanović, Krunoslav Šimrak, Amira Cvijanović, Davor Tramte, Petra Sajtl, David Škarja, Anja Čampa and Nika Testen.

Description of the innovation:

In order to encourage innovation and development of new products and processes, TPV AUTOMOTIVE launched an innovation platform called TPV Innovation Station. The aim of the platform is to help individuals and start-ups achieve their goals. We provide them with extensive experience, cutting-edge equipment, financial resources and an innovative environment where we have been generating and developing innovations for many years. We also use the platform to announce prize challenges inviting external partakers and TPV AUTOMOTIVE employees to participate with their own innovative solutions.