TPV Automotive received 9 awards for innovation
13. 6. 2025
The Posavje Chamber of Commerce, Krško, and the Chamber of Commerce of Dolenjska and Bela Krajina awarded prizes for the best innovations of 2024. TPV Automotive’s innovators once again stood out by receiving nine recognitions, including two gold, four silver, and three bronze awards. The innovation titled Innovative technological solutions and approaches in the new battery carrier project was also nominated for the national level competition.
The Posavje Chamber of Commerce, Krško, awarded TPV two silver and two bronze recognitions:
Silver Awards:
TESTING OF THE WHEEL CARRIER UNDER REAL ROAD LOADS
Innovators: Jurij Kranjc, Vili Malnarič, Matej Strašek, Dr. Jernej Klemenc (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana)
Description: The innovation enables dynamic testing of various load-bearing components using recorded real load signals that the components experience during operation. In this case, the dynamic durability of the wheel carrier was tested with repeatedly applied load signals from road surfaces. This method simulated the loads acting on the wheel carrier during use and evaluated its dynamic durability throughout its lifespan.
METHODOLOGY FOR DEFINING DISTORTED PRODUCT SHAPES TO COMPENSATE FOR WELDING DISTORTIONS
Innovators: Gregor Levak, Jurij Švegelj, Davor Tramte, Patricia Šašek, Dejan Zajec
Description: This innovation introduces an advanced methodology for compensating sheet metal deformation, shortening project timelines and improving production processes. Using these techniques, new products are designed to deform after welding into precisely predicted geometries, ensuring high quality of the final product without additional processing. The innovation is universally applicable and adaptable to different materials and product geometries.
Bronze Awards:
INNOVATIVE DESIGN OF THE WELDING AND MECHANICAL PROCESS FOR COMPLEX-SHAPED PRODUCTS
Innovators: Jurij Kuretič, Marko Malnarič, Kristjan Kežman, Tomaž Habinc, Marko Kerep, Matic Šeligo, Jurij Švegelj
Description: In collaboration with a multidisciplinary team within the company and external partners, the production line process was modified, improving productivity and reducing waste by increasing the availability and stability of the production process.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN INNOVATIVE WELDING POSITIONER WITH A DEDICATED CLAMPING TABLE
Innovators: Tomislav Klarić, Miran Ferenčak, Nenad Rađenović, Boris Antolovič, Kristjan Kežman, Martin Povše, Katja Sajtl
Description: TPV Automotive developed a welding manipulator with a dedicated clamping table and an automated manipulation process for assembling the frames of residential containers. This innovation improves the existing welding process, making product manufacturing and processing faster, more precise, reliable, and efficient. It has increased production reliability and efficiency while significantly reducing production costs.
The Chamber of Commerce of Dolenjska and Bela Krajina awarded TPV Automotive two gold, one silver, and two bronze recognitions:
Gold Awards:
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS AND APPROACHES IN THE NEW BATTERY CARRIER PROJECT
Innovators: Kaja Pirnar, Janez Hočevar, Vili Malnarič, Jurij Švegelj, Domen Gnidovec, Tomaž Habinc, Patricia Šašek, Aleks Reba, Marko Malnarič, Mateja Hrovat, Robert Strahinič, Ana Cindrič, Krešimir Benci, Jurij Kuretič, Matija Požgaj
Description: TPV Automotive successfully engaged as a supplier of steel and aluminum load-bearing elements, leading the design development of a new battery carrier for premium vehicles. Starting from initial concepts, the team delivered a technologically feasible design within a tight timeframe. Thanks to innovative solutions and expertise in technology and functionality, TPV provided both prototype and serial parts for the project.
NUMERICAL APPROACH FOR THE PHYSICAL INTEGRATION OF DEFORMATION HISTORY INTO FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Innovators: Domen Gnidovec, Patricia Šašek, Dr. Marko Vrh (CAD CAM)
Description: This innovation introduces a new numerical simulation approach that physically integrates the deformation history of sheet metal into subsequent structural finite element analyses. This improves result accuracy and optimizes product development, representing a breakthrough in engineering simulations that contributes to more reliable and efficient designs.
Silver Award:
ADVANCED OPTIMIZATION OF GEOMETRY ROBUSTNESS IN HIGH-VOLUME PIPE BENDING PROCESS
Innovators: Patricia Šašek, Silvester Urek, Jože Košak, Peter Smolič, Iztok Erjavec, Domen Jenkole
Description: This innovation addresses the challenges of misalignment and variability in the geometry of products manufactured in high-volume pipe bending. By optimizing the shape of bending segments and designing tooling for quick geometry adjustments, the product geometry was improved, significantly reducing waste and increasing productivity of the highly optimized production line.
Bronze Awards:
DEVELOPMENT OF UNIVERSAL PACKAGING
Innovators: Miha Končar, Jan Zupanc, Aljaž Bogovič
Description: The innovation optimizes transport processes through the development of customized packaging that allows the transport of 67% more products per shipment, reducing the number of shipments by 40%. This decreases costs, CO2 emissions, and improves efficiency. Additionally, it supports sustainable development, workplace optimization, and improves logistics processes, enhancing the company’s competitiveness.
EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF NECK DRAWING TECHNIQUES FOR HIGH-VOLUME FORMING PROCESSES
Innovators: Aleks Reba, Patricia Šašek, Miran Penič, Dejan Zajec
Description: The innovation focuses on different methodology combinations for drawing limit necks from high-strength steel sheets. The challenge lies in the high ratio of neck depth to diameter and achieving tight tolerances with high-quality edges. Various technologies in sheet metal forming were studied, and process parameter combinations were determined to ensure appropriate quality of different neck types.
Congratulations to all the innovators! TPV is also keeping their fingers crossed for the Innovative technological solutions and approaches in the new battery carrier project at the national selection.
