The fact that VBG’s couplings and other products are modularly designed is not something that most people need to think about. It is only when something needs to be repaired, such as the coupling mechanism, for instance, that it becomes apparent that you don’t replace a single broken part – you replace the whole mechanism instead. To vehicle owners this may sound like an unnecessary waste, but it is actually the opposite since it increases safety, prolongs service life, and reduces the total cost of ownership. It also provides additional benefits for mechanics.
Standardised vs. Modular
Anyone who has ever built with Lego or Meccano has experienced the benefits of standardised components that fit together. It is precisely this philosophy that permeates VBG’s product programme, and it’s one of the benefits you gain by choosing our products – everything fits together to save you both time and hassle when assembling or repairing.
Modular design takes this another step forwards. A complete module with a defined function, such as the coupling mechanism, simplifies and provides benefits in different stages from production to repair and servicing. The benefits include everything from streamlined inventories to easier handling and shorter repair times. These benefits reduce costs.
Unnecessary waste? The opposite, actually!
A common misconception about modular design is that it is wasteful. During repairs, when you replace the entire module instead of just the broken component, you replace all the functioning components as well. Surely this is a waste? No, actually not. The module’s constituent components are designed to work optimally together. If one component fails, it’s likely that the other components have also been affected – or will be affected – by whatever caused the first component to fail. If only the broken component is replaced, it probably won’t be long until the next visit to the workshop to replace another broken component, and so on.
By replacing the entire module, all constituent components will be able to work together optimally, which ensures functionality. The minor extra cost of replacing parts that have not (yet) failed is compensated for by eliminating new repair costs and avoiding breakdowns.
But there is another benefit: Safety. By replacing the module instead of the component, maximum safe operation can be guaranteed. This is reassuring to both owners and drivers.
Convenient for mechanics
Modular design provides both convenience and time savings for mechanics. But there are other benefits as well. Feel free to download our infographic in which we compare modular and non-modular designs from a mechanic’s perspective.
