Packaging Envelope
Compact and low-profile slide rails help preserve usable vehicle space while fitting the surrounding design.
OEM SOLUTIONS
Automotive
Precision Motion for Vehicle Interiors and Equipment
Motion Systems Engineered Into the Vehicle Design
Automotive interiors and mobile equipment demand more from motion systems than simple movement. Components must make efficient use of limited space while delivering controlled operation, dependable positioning, low noise, and performance in environments subject to vibration and repeated use.
Knape & Vogt works with OEM engineering and product-development teams to create sliding and access solutions around the specific requirements of the application—from established slide platforms to application-specific engineered solutions.
WHAT MATTERS MOST
Design Priorities
Vehicle slide and rail systems must balance available space, travel, retention, road-load conditions, user feel, and assembly integration.
Retention in Motion
Hold-in, detent, lock-in, and lock-out functions can be evaluated around vehicle movement and the intended user interaction.
Travel & Service Access
Full extension, overtravel, and defined travel can be engineered around access to storage, equipment, or serviceable components.
Operating Feel & Noise
Operating force, closing behavior, sound, and perceived quality can be treated as vehicle-interior design requirements.
Road-Load Durability
Load, cycle life, vibration, shock, and environmental exposure should be evaluated together for mobile applications.
Assembly Integration
Mounting, locating features, attachment points, tolerances, and installation sequence can be considered early in the design.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
From Concept to Production
KV supports OEM programs through a structured path from early application definition to production and ongoing lifecycle support. Each step builds on the decisions made before it.
PROCESS AT A GLANCE
Concept Development
We begin by reviewing application requirements, performance goals, space constraints, and use conditions to define the right path forward.
- Application requirements
- Performance goals
- Available space
- Use conditions
Application Engineering
Our engineering team evaluates load, travel, motion, mounting, materials, and integration requirements, then determines whether an existing platform, a modified platform, or a custom design is the right path.
- Load & travel
- Mounting & clearance
- Motion features
- Existing or custom platform
Prototyping & Testing
Concepts are refined through prototypes and representative application testing to confirm fit, function, durability, operating feel, and performance before production.
- Cycle life
- Load & deflection
- Travel & end stops
- Operating force
- Vibration & shock
- Corrosion & environment
Production Support
KV supports the transition into repeatable, scalable production with value engineering, manufacturability, quality, consistency, and supply continuity considered together.
- Value engineering
- Manufacturability
- Quality & consistency
- Supply continuity
Lifecycle Support
We continue supporting the program after launch, helping address future refinements, ongoing supply requirements, and long-term product performance.
- Program refinements
- Ongoing supply
- Long-term performance
- Platform continuity
PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS
Slide Configurator
Establish preliminary project specifications to organize your application requirements and determine the slide or rail characteristics that should be evaluated during design.
PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS
Build Your Project Specifications
Enter the project details KV would typically review when evaluating this application.
01
Project ContextMarket, application, program stage and production context.
02
Mechanical RequirementsLoad, travel, geometry and structural requirements.
03
Integration & MotionMounting, packaging, operating feel, retention and access.
04
Operating ConditionsCycle life, vibration, corrosion, temperature and environment.
APPLICATION ENGINEERING
Slide Configurator
START A CONVERSATION
Have a Project in Mind?
Bring KV into the planning process early and start your project with the right engineering support. Our team can help evaluate application requirements, identify the right motion or access solution, and define a clear path from concept through production.
