Lattice frame
The lattice frame is a supporting structure in vehicles. Lattice frames are space trusses , which means that their bars are ideally only subjected to tension and compression ( buckling ) and thus evenly over the cross-section and length. This makes good use of the material volume and they can be carried out very easily. They are mainly used in aviation and vehicle construction. In the first years of the 20th century, Alexander Graham Bell developed lattice frames for the first aircraft , for example for the AEA Silver Dart .
The lattice frames, which are complex to manufacture and therefore expensive, have been used in motorcycles even more recently . They are now typical as motorcycle frames for Ducati , KTM and MV Agusta motorcycles .
They were common in sports cars until the 1960s . The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL , Porsche 550 A , Lotus Seven , the Maserati Tipo 61 to 64 (also known as the Birdcage because of their filigree frameworks ) and the Lamborghini Countach have lattice frames . A lightweight, non-load-bearing body made of aluminum or plastic is placed on the lattice frame of an automobile .
In the meantime, shell structures have replaced the lattice frames ( monocoque ) in racing cars .
