DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE TURANGA VELOMOBILE
6th European Seminar on Velomobile Design Copenhagen, Denmark October 16-17, 2009 1
AGENDA • • •
Operating Environment - A velomobile on US roads Customer Input Design Process
• • •
Vehicle Architecture Features Areas for further development
• Product Values • Benchmark Experiences • Customer Desires
• Power assist • Security
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OPERATING ENVIRONMENT GETTING AROUND VIA BICYCLE IN THE UNITED STATES
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Bike lanes growing but still limited • Roads are for cars! • Must factor in mixed traffic
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Urban roads generally rough
• Bump and vibration absorption necessary
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“Four Seasons” weather, all types of terrain • Many climate extremes possible in one area • Ventilation needs vary widely
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DESIGN PROCESS PRODUCT VALUES
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Environmental Compatibility • Materials, manufacturing processes and inevitable disposal must be efficient and sustainable
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Turanga brand values • The joy of movement complemented by harmony with the environment while stationary
• •
Sporting, adventurous, clever and well resolved design Scalable manufacturing costs • Ease transition to higher production volumes • Enable CKD kit availability and local production 4
DESIGN PROCESS BENCHMARK DATA
Typical “Safety Bicycle” design
• • • • • • • •
Light
-
+
Simple to maintain Excitement of tilting into turns Can see over most cars Can shift weight to improve dynamics Very maneuverable Can jump up and down curbs
• • • • • •
Sensitivity to road conditions Static instability Rough ride Exposed to elements Shifting seen as complicated Chain fouling on cuffs
Visible to motorists
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DESIGN PROCESS BENCHMARK EXPERIENCES
2006 Catrike Speed Benchmark
• • • • • • •
Light
+
Simple Fast Quick response High build quality and control feel Tight turning circle Wide speed range
• • • • • • •
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Low visibility to motorists Dynamic stability (turning & braking) Too sporty - extreme riding position Rough ride Low ground clearance Not shiftable at a stop Not able to jump up curbs
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DESIGN PROCESS CUSTOMER DESIRES
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Primary • Tight turning radius for maneuverability • Fits through 30” (762mm) doorways • Weather protection • Onboard storage for groceries • Full weather protection
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Secondary • Electrical assist 7
VEHICLE ARCHITECTURE • • • • • • • • •
Tadpole (2F1R) configuration Tilting capability 29” max width Rear wheel steering 3 wheel independent suspension FWD with enclosed chain runs Rear Storage compartment Bamboo/balsa core laminate spine frame Non-structural, breathable, waterproof fabric body with Coroplast structure and full plastic canopy
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FEATURE DETAILS •
NuVinci CVT and Schlumpf Mountain Drive • 7.5:1 gear range
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Front and rear grab handles, vertically stowable
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Bamboo/balsa structural spine
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Fixed Seat, adjustable crank/pedal position • Efficient rigid seat mounting & back • Weight balance held consistent for different riders
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FEATURE DETAILS CONT’D
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Front and rear grab handles, vertically stowable • Handles double as U-lock attachment
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Full lighting with rear view mirror and retroreflective markings • Fwd and rear as well as side marking • LED turn signals and stop lights
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Tilting capability • Rider controlled • Naturally centers upright with rider weight
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FEATURES CONT’D
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Single-lever hydraulic disc brakes on front wheels • Automatically adjusting, balanced braking power
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Welding reduced to two parts (soon to be redesigned)
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Many parts waterjet cut - automated and scalable process • No tooling investment
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AREAS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT
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Power assist
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Security
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Useability
• Electrical • Allows regen, expands market, adds weight • Wind • “Free” energy, structural and practical issues
• Secure tether points • Eliminate cable, direct U-lock interface, weight • Cockpit and cargo security • Convertible v. Hardtop analogy • Keyless entry/motion alarm? •
Curb-hopping ability
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CONTACT INFO TURANGA PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUHAS MALGHAN 240 S. HIGHLAND AVE. BALTIMORE, MD, USA 21224 (443) 722-2852
[email protected] http://www.turanga.com 13
THANK YOU!
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Questions?
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