Triobike: Three is the Magic Number
They’re so cool, they started the Dogme film movement. They’re so cool, they’re 83% Lutheran. They’re so cool, they can make bikes with a stroller attachment (which are admittedly not as crave worthy a concept as say a Balenciaga bag) into something super desirable. From the country that loves biking as much as they do open rye bread sandwiches, comes the triobike.
As the name suggests, Denmark’s uber stylish triobike comprises three main functions: a carrier bike; a bike; and pushchair (that’s stroller for you guys). Which adds up to an exciting new concept in transportation, especially for parents with a penchant for cycling. Here’s what sets it apart from other kid wheeling bikes. While a regular carrier bike is great when you have kids in it, once they’ve been dropped off why pedal harder than you have to? With the triobike, you drop the kids off to daycare/school/the mine (I’m kidding), leave the front carrier there and bicycle solo onto work. The trio also gives you the flexibility of having your spouse pick up the kids, simply fitting the carrier onto their bikes or walking home with the kids in the stroller.
It’s not only the pedal-happy Danes who enjoy are the triobike. The concept has also taken off in other parts of Europe including England where “influential mums” like Jools Oliver own and rave about their trios, while TV chef husband, chef Jamie uses them for local deliveries for his philanthropic Fifteen restaurant. The triobike is a triumph of design with all three components working as super stylish as separates (I especially love the Jetson-inspired stroller) whilst epitomizing versatility and function when put together. With six color schemes to choose from: urban jungle; candy floss; knight rider; pink power; bumble bee; and ice baby, the triobike really is irresistible.
Some Vital References for my Concept
After a considerable amount of research, its time for analyzing the data and coming down to the proposal of the layout of the vehicle that i will be designing for the Car sharing system.
Right now, according to me, the most sensible car in the fleet of flexi-car is the Honda Jazz -
Dimensions –
Length 3900 mm
Width 1695 mm
Height 1525 mm
Wheelbase 2500 mm
Its plus points are – its economical, good boot size, good transmission and smooth engine, easy to drive and offers a good resale value.
But that does not makes it the most practical car for the Car share system, since its less of a car and more of a ” Supermini MPV ” – thereby providing more fixed space ( although no flexible space owing to its size).
Also its a little bit expensive for a small car,expensive to maintain, and gives a bit of a bumpy ride for the rear passengers.
I have shortlisted certain cars which are very close to the ideal size of the vehicle that i am looking forward to design……some of them are sports coupes, some of them are small family saloons, some are small cross-overs and 4×4 SUV’s, while some are downright new concepts which neither fall into any of the above mentioned categories. But i am more concerned about the external dimensions than the layout or the form…
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1. VENTURI ECLECTIC
The ratio of wheelbase to track of Venturi Eclectic is an ideal one for a vehicle meant for city use, although the 1 +2 seating isn’t that much appealing ( But considering that its an Neighborhood Electric Vehicle, the frequency will compensate for its lack of one or two more extra seats ). The Sheer width of this car is comparable to large SUVS, and thereby giving a very flexible space around the occupants ( Mind you there are no doors here ! ).
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2. Lotus Elise
It represents an ideal ratio of wheelbase to track, although its narrower than the Eclectic, but considering that its got one more seat up front….and a decent sized engine to cope up with….giving it a more or less saloon-like dimensions.
Dimensions
overall length 3726 mm
overall width 1701 mm
overall height 1148 mm
wheelbase 2300 mm
track – front 1440 mm
track – rear 1453 mm
Gr.Clearance 160 mm
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3. MARUTI SUZUKI GYPSY
Another outstanding design in terms of its near-perfect package is the Maruti Gypsy. This vehicle represents a 5-7 seater, and with wheelbase almost identical to the Elise, its a really creditable job in terms of its overall layout. Also, its one of the most narrow 4×4 vehicles in the world, making it very agile and have a tight turning radius.
Dimensions
* Length 4010 mm
* Width 1540 mm
* Height 1875 mm
* Wheelbase 2375 mm
* Front Track 1300 mm
* Rear Track 1310 mm
* Kerb Weight 985 kg
* Gross Weight 1585kg
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4. SCION XB
Toyota has done a nice job with the Xb, with a fairly large wheelbase of 2.5 m, and still keep the overall length under 4 m. Its largely due to the intelligent use of interior space, and the cubic design.
Wheelbase (2499 mm)
Length (3945 mm)
Width (1689 mm)
Height (1641 mm)
Curb weight (1086 kg)
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5. Ford MODEL T
To everyones surprise, there is this 1908 first generation Model T, which has these dimensions :-
Wheelbase 2540 mm
Track 1422 mm ( front and back both )
Length 4191 mm
Width 1702 mm
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6. TOYOTA 1/x
This is a great vehicle in terms of its basic layout, the technology it possesses, and the ideation that goes behind its design. Firstly, its pure aim is to be light-weight…just 420 kg ……..which is about 1/3rd of any vehicle……………………..secondly , its got just a 500 cc engine……..which is 1/2 of any small city car, 1/3rd of any family sedan, and welll……in real sense…1/x th of any oil burning muscle car…where “X” is the greatest number that you can imagine !!
As an FFV (Flex Fuel Vehicle) that can use bioethanol in addition to gasoline, the 1/X is based on a 500cc engine and also features a plug-in hybrid system that allows charging from an external power source.
The power unit is located beneath the rear seat for a midship, rear-wheel-drive system.
The body frame features lightweight, high-rigidity carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) to ensure superior collision safety performance while allowing narrower pillars for a wider field of vision.
Here is a comparision of its dimensions when compared to anyone else’s imagination of a vehicle achieving this kind of feat !!
Wheelbase – 2.6 m
Length – 3.9 m
Width – 1.62 m
Height – 1.41 m
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7. TOYOTA HI-CT
The Hi-CT aims to offer a new “coolness” and new ways to have fun as a departure from conventional vehicles-an edgy, urban vehicle inspired by the thinking and lifestyles of youth.
* Offers a new kind of automotive “cool” and sense of enjoyment.
* Has a new look unconstrained by conventional vehicle size (length 3,330mm x width 1,695mm x height 1,780mm).
* Adopts plug-in hybrid technology, which allows it to charge from an external power source and gives it a greater driving range when running on its battery-powered motor; by placing the battery under the floor, achieves a highly efficient cabin with a higher driver position.
* Comes with an AC100V accessory socket that enables stored electricity-made possible by plug-in hybrid technology-to be used for a variety of applications.
* Features a removable rear trunk and a deck where surfboards, bicycles and other equipment can be loaded.
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Some other vehicles that i have studied :-
Volkswagen Space UP !
Volkswagen 1-litre ( 235 mpg )
World’s first gyroscopic Parking monitor
Nissan plans to take all the fun out of parking by introducing the world’s first “Around View Monitor” which offers a bird’s eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings. The system employs four ultrawide-angle (180-degree) high-resolution cameras mounted on the front, sides and rear of the vehicle. The monitor inside the car displays the view from above on the left, and a front or rear view on the right. The front and rear views alternates according to the gear shift. The driver also receives help from the camera-enabled sensors mounted on all four corners of the vehicle that portray the distance to an obstacle in colored graphics, warning the driver via a “beeping” alert when he comes to close.
In Japan, the “Around View Monitor” will debut in the new Elgrand, scheduled for introduction at the end of this month while the system will also be offered in the U.S on the new Infiniti EX35 SUV (see here) scheduled for launch this December.
Venturi Eclectic, the World’s First Production Solar-Electric Car: Test Drive (with Video) – Popular Mechanics
VENTURI Eclectic – Nice car !!
Eclectic – Entirely Self-powered Car
Venturi – creators of the Eclectic , the autonomous automobile, is the worlds first production solar-electric car.
The trouble with most green-concept cars is that they require regular “refueling” with hard-to-get hydrogen or ethanol. The Venturi Eclectic runs solely on wind and solar power. Solar cells blanket the rooftop, and a wind turbine provides extra juice. When that’s not enough, a backup electric outlet can recharge the three-seat Eclectic in five hours.
The 22 hp, 50Nm electric motor is charged by 2.5 square meters of solar panels on the roof of the vehicle. There is also a force wheel to turn the wind into electric power. The car can cover 50km at 50 mph on a full charge. 200 vehicles, which look more like golf carts than cars, will be made starting in June of next year, costing 24,000 euros each.
The Eclectic, which looks similar to a squashed robot, is very comfortable and manageable as an urban get-around car. And get this: It only has two buttons for motion (one for Drive and another for Reverse), though that one gear would suggest Venturi isn’t trying to match up to the high-performance plug-in capabilities of the Tesla Roadster. No, the Eclectic’s real purpose is as a neighborhood electric vehicle such as DaimlerChrysler’s old GEM. Heck, even the doors are optional on this little green buggy.
But the sun shining down through the translucent solar roof gave the ride an airy feel in our SoCal climate. The Eclectic is breezy, fun and actually quite exhilarating. Like all electric cars, it’s very quiet and superbly smooth on the road—you hardly feel the regenerative braking as it helps recharge the battery pack. There’s no power steering, but at a mere 882 pounds, this ultralight vehicle doesn’t really need it. The real rush you get isn’t from street performance; it’s the looks on the street. With Venturi pushing custom doorplates, the Eclectic strikes us as the ultimate marketing car for any company looking to show off its eco-friendly side—or the cops.
Cynical of more early green-car hype? You should be. The Eclectic certainly won’t be for the family car market when the first 200 production models launch in the U.S. next March, with its low speed and puttering range. And don’t forget safety implications; this thing’s got slightly-better-than-motorcycle crash protection. But the technology is innovative: The Eclectic’s solar recharging system provides an extra 4 to 5 miles per day of exposure, and a tiny turbine gives an extra 10 miles per day in windy areas. And with power from a standard wall plug, a full recharge of the Hawker nickel-metal-hydride battery takes 5 hours. Venturi says the pack will last 500 cycles, with an option for a larger capacity battery that charges in 3 hours and offers more range and a longer life span. If nothing else, this French golf-cart-on-steroids will bring the Holy Trinity of green-car firsts to market: solar, wind and electric. And that’s good enough for us.
TEXTILES OF THE FUTURE
FLuorides make the normally absorbant COTTON , an impermeable one !!
Nitrogen makes the normally resistant materials, absorbant !
Check this video….these fabrics can be used for the seats of the flexicar or the seat covers instead….so that it becomes easy to just replace them effectively.
Smart Automotive Materials by GM
Its called the Shape memory Polymer ( Plastic )…….and very useful in replacing the complex hydraulic mechanisms and hundreds of small motors used for leverage and deployment of essential automobile components……….
Check out this video
PHA Plastic – The GODsend from Taiwan !
The completely bio-degradable Plastic invented by the scientists of taiwan is one and a half times cheaper than our normal available plastic…..and its bio-degradable as well !!
ZELFO – The Material of the future !
Visit Zelfo Australia for all the information about this sustainable material
Zeoform is truly a revolutionary new material containing only 100 recycled cellulose fiber – sourced from paper, plant or fabric waste. Using a patented nano-technology, the ZEO process converts waste or recycled cellulose (without glues, binders or chemicals of any kind) into a non-toxic pulp that can be colored, poured, sprayed, molded or shaped into flat, curved, cylindrical or spherical forms.
ZEOFORM is then dried, worked, finished and coated, resulting in a strong, high-tensile, plastic-like substance with densities ranging from a resilient translucent skin (for lighting) to an ebony-like hardness for building materials, furniture and home-wares, jewelry and fashion accessories, speakers and musical instruments, electronics, toys and craft items, with endless applications in myriad industries and product and automotive sectors.
The Air powered car is nothing new now !
Here is my contribution to the Air powered community …..the video is self-explanatory…
TOYOTA HUMAN TOUCH !!
Check this out….when a car manufacturer gets down to adpot extreme measures to prove that its up close with the humans…and not just another machine !!
1/X th of the conventional Car !!
One of the concept cars exhibited by Toyota at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show is the environmentally-friendly 1/X concept car.
Based on a concept of reducing vehicle weight to “1/Xth” that of other vehicles in its class, the 1/X was reduced in weight to 420kg, which is about one-third that of the Prius. Fuel efficiency that is almost double that of the Prius was also targeted while maintaining an interior space comparable to the Prius.
As an FFV (Flex Fuel Vehicle) that can use bioethanol in addition to gasoline, the 1/X is based on a 500cc engine and also features a plug-in hybrid system that allows charging from an external power source.
The power unit is located beneath the rear seat for a midship, rear-wheel-drive system.
The body frame features lightweight, high-rigidity carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) to ensure superior collision safety performance while allowing narrower pillars for a wider field of vision.
The 1/X is a four passenger vehicle with an overall length of 3.9m, an overall width of 1.62m, an overall length of 1.41m, and a wheelbase of 2.6m.
PRT’s Impact on neighbourhood
A Better Solution
Visual intrusion, noise, and safety are important concerns for any transportation system, and PRT compares very well to other solutions. PRT will have fewer negative impacts upon Austin neighborhoods than other proposals.
Visual aspects – Perhaps the most controversial part of PRT for neighborhoods will be the visual impact of the system. The elevated PRT guideways are the most visible part of the system and close attention will be focused on minimizing their appearance where needed.
Compared to other transit options, PRT guideways allow greater flexibility in this regard. PRT guideways can be run through alleyways, in existing road medians, or behind existing tree lines and buildings. The guideway covers can be painted to match the needs of the neighborhood.
Noise Levels – Like light rail, PRT systems are fully electrically powered, which reduces engine noises. Additionally, PRT will run on smooth rubber tires along smooth steel guideway sections. Tire noise will be lower than an automobile, since the tires and the running surfaces are both smooth.
Lack of road crossings eliminates the need for warning horns, bells or whistles. At night it may be difficult to see the vehicles running across the guideway.
Fumes - PRT uses zero-emission, electrically powered vehicles. There are no diesel or gasoline fumes or odors emitted by the vehicles.
Safety – Elevated PRT guideways remove the possibility of collisions with automobiles, pedestrians, children, or pets.
Lighting etc - Since the system is computer controlled, there is no need for headlights or area lighting for the non-existent drivers.
The Alternatives
The PRT advantages for neighborhoods must also be compared with the alternatives. In this context the advantages of PRT, especially in light of the high service levels, are substantial.
Do Nothing – Making no improvements to city’s transportation infrastructure will result in more traffic through neighborhoods as frustrated commuters search for alternate routes to their destinations. More automobiles bring more air pollution, higher noise levels, and more risks for pedestrians and children in the neighborhood.
Increased Bus Service - Increased bus service will only be effective if it removes a significant portion of commuters from their automobiles. Additionally, standard buses tend to be noisy and release diesel fumes.
Roadway Expansion - Expansion of the road network will only offer temporary relief for traffic congestion, will bring more vehicles to the expanded roads, and will require significant amounts of land. Widened roadways will typically have faster speeds and greater safety problems for nearby communities. Wide, fast roads can split neighborhoods, reducing pedestrian access and create noise problems for nearby houses.
Light Rail - Perhaps the best of the alternatives, light rail requires more land than PRT, uses larger (and noisier) vehicles, and may still work to split a neighborhood by restricting automobile and pedestrian access across the right-of-way.
Benefits of PRT on a city
Reduced Street Construction
Although a PRT system will not eliminate the need for a street and roadway network, it has the potential to significantly reduce the dependence upon privately owned vehicles, and thus the need for road and highway expansion and maintenance.
Modern Look and Feel
The PRT concept is arguably one of the most advanced, modern transportation concepts around. Austin city prides itself upon its high-tech, modern industries and PRT will complement this very well. Austin can be one of the first cities to really make a dent in urban congestion and pollution.
More Flexible Urban Form
The Austin light rail debate has highlighted the advantages of transit oriented development, mostly as an argument for the light rail system. PRT would be very effective at encouraging transit oriented development, if that is adopted as a goal of the transit system.
Reduced Police and Traffic Costs
Fewer vehicles on the streets will reduce traffic accidents and incidents. Less stressed drivers will behave better, speed less, and be less tempted to take risks. Reduced congestion will help reduce road rage. All of these will reduce the use of valuable police resources.
Little Taxable Land Used
With small, elevated guideways and very small stations, a PRT system requires far less valuable urban real estate be used for the system than either expanded roads or rail systems. Less land removed from local tax rolls means higher tax revenues or lower tax rates to generate the same revenues.
In addition, since PRT can effectively compete with the private automobile, less land can be used for low-value parking lots and garages. By replacing these with higher-revenue generating businesses and buildings, the city can increase its tax base and revenue stream.
