The engineers in our Research and Development department are continuously pushing the boundaries of our product ranges. They consider market changes, technological advancements, and feedback from our customers. Our objective remains unchanged: to offer intelligent solutions that significantly revolutionise the tasks they are designed for.
Our R&D approach always begins with a deep understanding of the workers who use commercial vehicles, 4×4s, or fire engines to transport their equipment from one mission to next. We aim to truly comprehend and analyse the physical efforts they exert to store and remove their equipment from the vehicle. This includes the impact on their body and health in the short, medium, and long term, potential risks during the manoeuvre, strenuousness, repetitive movements, and more.
In addition, we listen carefully to the needs of the market, and carry out genuine premium engineering work, resulting in the launch of the ErgoRack, our first ergonomic lateral ladder deployment system for LCVs. More recently, we developed a rear deployment system (ErgoBack) and electric roof platforms designed specifically for fire engines (ErgoBack ePro).
These recent innovations underscore our commitment to addressing the constantly evolving needs of our customers. Our engineering is consistently developing practical, ergonomic, and robust solutions.
Prime Design Europe (PDE) has been consistently engineering products that enhance the safety and ease of use for the human body for over 30 years. Our relentless commitment to improved ergonomics, safety, and product performance ensures significant return on investment for our valued customers.
Continuously looking forward, PDE delivers solutions to the LCV market through research, user feedback, and engineering. We not only improve and adapt our products to the evolving automotive industry but also bring innovative, best-in-class products to the market.
PDE’s products feature patented designs that significantly reduce operator stress and mitigate the risk of work-related injuries. Our solutions not only help minimize worker’s compensation claims but also provide enhanced security for valuables, safeguarding them from damage and theft.
At Prime Design Europe, we manufacture all our solutions in-house, right here in Europe, ensuring the highest standards of quality. We utilize the finest grade Aluminum, 6061-T6, to create durable and reliable products.
The AluRack was challenged during a dynamic city crash test by TÜV SÜD Czech Republic. (DIN ISO 11154/attach. E). The roof rack was installed on a van roof and loaded with the maximum capacity of 181 kg (rack’s weight was 19 kg). A crash at driving speed was simulated on a test sled, creating a front-end-impact. At this crash impact, the load and roof rack did not shift during the crash test and kept their position on the roof. A proof of the safety of PDE‘s AluRack.
During a test conducted by Flanders’ Drive, the durability of AluRack (width 1650 mm) was evaluated on a hydraulic test rig using a uni-axial excitation. The test consisted of two parts. First part a van equipped with accelerometers was driven over a test track. In the second part, the output of the vibrations measured during the test track was used to replay these signals on an AluRack mounted on a hydraulic actuator. The function of AluRack, supporting a distributed payload of 150 kg and subjected to road excitations, was completely fulfilled during the entire length of this durability test.
Every GlassRack product has received TÜV certification. The bottom rail has successfully endured a rigorous durability assessment, undergoing repeated free falls of 300 kg onto the glass rack’s support base. This simulated impact significantly surpasses real-world scenarios, attesting to GlassRack’s capability to withstand the demands of multiple vehicle lifetimes.
Additionally, GlassRack and its retainer bars have undergone rally driving tests. Demonstrating exceptional performance, our retainer bars, functioning as locking mechanisms, effectively secure a 3mm thick glass while subjected to the challenging conditions of rally driving with two wheels suspended in the air. The glass remains intact and well-positioned, underscoring the robustness and reliability of GlassRack.
Date of latest certification: 31.10.2021.
Valid until: 26.12.2024.
Applicable to: Design and development, production, cutting, processing, assembly and dispatch of roofing and bearing systems and accessories from aluminum, plastic and wood for the automotive industry.
Prime Design Europe is a part of the Austrian initiative for safe transport: www.sicher-transportieren-at
It refers to the practice of ensuring the secure and protected transportation of goods or materials from one location to another. This can involve various measures to mitigate risks, prevent damage or loss, and maintain the integrity of the transported items. Sicher Transport encompasses aspects such as proper packaging, securing items during transit, compliance with safety regulations, and using suitable transportation methods or equipment to minimize potential hazards. The goal is to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of goods while prioritizing the well-being of individuals involved in the transportation process and protecting the integrity of the items being transported.
Awarded to: Prime Design ErgoRack Rotation Ladder rack.
Awarded by Automotive fleet & Business fleet Magazines.
Award won on: 25th of September 2001.
Awarded by: Federal Minister of Economy and Technology.
Awarded at: International craft fair, Münich.
Award won on: 15th of March 2009.
Prime Design Europe founder holds many patents in the automotive sector industry. We have shortlisted a few patents. This list is non-exhaustive.
Ergonomic ladder rack
Patent-approved. References: 20160137139, 9415726 & 9481313.
Applicable to: ErgoRack.
No-drilling rear door ladder clamp system
Patent-approved. Reference: 9506292.
Applicable to: no-drilling rear door ladder.
Hydraulic damper
Patent-approved, reference 11293516.
Applicable to ErgoBack – Manual.
Package loading & distribution system
Patent-pending. Reference: 20210347587.
Applicable to: ErgoBack Electric, ErgoBack ePro.
Load hold down device with retractable strap
Patent-approved. Reference: 10857930.
System securing ladders.
Applicable to ErgoBack (both manual and electric versions).
Tiltable ladder rack
Patent-approved. Reference: 10654420.
Applicable to: ErgoBack (manual & electric), ErgoBack ePro.
Retainer bar system
Patent-approved. Reference: DK141885D0.
Applicable to: GlassRack.
Prime Design Europe BV
Tel. +32 16 22 60 99
Fax. +32 16 22 60 90
Bietenweg 22,
3300 Tienen
ul. “Dolo” 19, 1298 kv.
Trebich, Sofia
Baldersbuen 21
2640 Hedehusene
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