Week 04 – 3D

Tuesday August 9, 2011

Today we looked at the ideas our class came up with for 3D Designs. We were asked to present our favourite designs from the ones from our blogs last week and all vote on the best two as shown below:

Reference (Image Above): Class Whiteboard

The One Seated Segway and Two Seated Segway were voted the best two. So now we were to name our Segways:

Reference (Image Above): Class Whiteboard

We agreed on the names for both Segways along with a slogan:

2-Seat Segway – “Big Toe” – For a small footprint

1- Seat Segway – “Little Toe” – For a tiny footprint

We then explored and challenged the design of our segways:

Reference (Image Above): Class Whiteboard

Youtube Clip:

“Segway 2-Seater prototype vehicle”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph4P_WfsV-g

Commentary:

"Dubbed Project P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility), GM"

This Video is from a company called Automotive TV who have done a great job in showcasing the 2-seater Segway in action around the streets of New York City. This concept looks remarkable. If the majority of city dwellers utilised this new way of transport, the world would be a much cleaner and quieter place. I found the clip informative until about the 3minute mark then it seems to drag on. It’s a little bit 90s in how it’s delivered with semi-monotone commentary and funky music but it gets the job done.

PRACTICAL – Design Exploration

30 mins – Choose your favourite concept from all your current 3D designs

•  Use any tools you wish 

•  Put the results and a paragraph of description in your Blog

•  Through a combo of research and creative thinking explore the possibilities of

concept experimentation, variation and evaluation

•  List these items clearly, draft examples and explain your thinking

o  Two Experiments

o  Pros & Cons

o  Choosing & Refusing

Solar Roller

My favourite 3D design concept is the Solar Roller.

It is an Eco friendly personal (sit-down) transport that receives solar energy from a wireless hat. The front brake is applied by foot pressing down on universal front wheel guard spanning centrally and over both wheels.

It is made from either an Aluminium or Steel frame with cushioned seat

The style is more traditional with the seat converted to span across two modified scooters with custom frame and operation.

Experiment 1   - Weld a light-weight aluminium chair to two scooters add a willing person under 80kgs and a person over 80 kgs  and push them in a straight line over different terrain and distances

Experiment 2 – Trying different wheel sizes, Chair types, scooters, people, times of day

Pros – Energy Efficient, Quiet, reasonably safe

Cons – Slow compared to cars, Works best in direct sunlight unless energy can be stored in battery

Choosing & Refusing – I would use a strong light-weight system that will be robust enough to drop up or down a curbside if necessary. Brakes may need to be upgraded to disc. I refuse to make it so fast you need a helmet yet too slow that you cannot reach your destination in reasonable time.

Reflection:

We spent way too much time on the 2D aspect of our class to give the same amount of attention on our 3D class. Our group discussions went off track but it was good to see everyone contributing great ideas. I could see the concept evolving but ever so slowly. We originally had a side-car/trailer setup for a child but agreed that by it being separate from the vehicle would be a danger to the child.