Three-wheeled Vehicle Research Articles

Modelling of Tilting and Steering Control System for a Tadpole Three-Wheeled Vehicle

Three-Wheeled Vehicle with tadpole configuration is a vehicle which has one wheel at the back and two wheels at the front. This vehicle promotes and ensures safety as it does in a four-wheeled vehicle. However, the vehicle’s dynamics is much different compared to a four-wheeled vehicle. The objective of this research is to find the relationship between turning, steering, and tilting of this vehicle to ensure and determine the safety limit of it. Physics modelling and iteration is done to see how each of the three components (turning, steering, and tilting) could affect each other.

Operational and Safety Assessment of Motorised Three-Wheel Vehicles for Public Transport in the Tamale Metropolis

Motorised three-wheel vehicles are important modes of transportation in the Tamale metroplis because they provide alternative mobility solutions for low and middle income earners and fill the gaps in transportation systems in Ghana. The fact that motorised three-wheel vehicles are inexpensive to manufacture, sell, operate and repair compared to cars have also catalysed the surge in their ownership. This study evaluates the operations and safety of motorised three-wheel vehicles as a means of public transport for goods and humans in the Tamale Metropolis. To achieve this objective, a manual traffic classification count was carried out on the following main roads: Hospital Road, Bolgatanga Road, Choogu Road and Nyohini Road within the study area; a survey questionnaire was designed to elicit information from operators as well as users of motorised three-wheel vehicles. Road traffic crashes data were obtained and analysed. Direct field observations were also carried out along selected roads. The manual traffic classification count revealed that motorised three-wheel vehicles constitute the third most significant mode of transport in the study area whereas light vehicles and motorcycles are first and second respectively. Additionally, operation of motorised three-wheel vehicles provides employment or livelihood to people who are otherwise unemployable and have families to take care of. In terms of safety, 94.6% are completely unlicensed, 3.1% have motorcycle license, 1.5% have tractor operator license and 0.8% have driving license. Lack of required driving skills could be one of contributing factors of crashes in the study area. The vehicles also stop or park at unauthorised places, leading to congestion and traffic management problems on roads. It is therefore recommended that the operation of motorised three-wheel vehicles within Tamale Metropolis Area be regulated and designated spaces provided for parking.
 Keywords: Motorised three-wheel Vehicles, Public Transport, Operational, Safety; Tamale

Static Simulation of Electric Tilting Tricycle Frame Structure Using The Finite Element Analysis

Electric Tilting Tricycle is a three-wheeled vehicle that has tadpole configuration driven by two sources of motion, that motion by a manual pedal and power from an electric motor. The three-wheeled vehicle has better stability and the tilting system improves ergonomics at curves. This research aims to design and analyze the strengths frame with three different materials using the Autodesk inventor software. By using the Stress Analysis feature that comes with the method of finite element analysis (FEA), we can know the result of von misses stress, displacement, strain, and safety factor. The main consideration of structural strength was seen from the distribution of static loads using three types of materials (Aluminium 6061, Steel Mild and CFRP). The minimum factor of safety resulting from the design simulation was estimated to be 1.83 using steel mild material.

Application of Light Metal Alloy EN AW 6063 to Vehicle Frame Construction with an Innovated Steering Mechanism.

Nowadays the automotive industry is mainly focused on competition, and this fact forces vehicle producers to constantly look for improvements in the areas of quality and reliability. Life-span, flawless operation, and safety are directly interconnected. Therefore, much attention and resources are spent on research factors that affect the stated properties. Significant capital is invested in the optimization of the constructional solutions and innovative material applications related to the safety and durability of the constructions. This paper presents the results obtained while developing a new ecological three-wheeled vehicle. The main research areas were focused on replacing the original material with a light aluminum alloy, while achieving a substantial improvement in drivability for the three-wheeled vehicle by implementing a modified front wheel steering system. The submitted research achieved a weight reduction of the frame by 40 kg by applying light material substitution (EN AW 6063.T66), which will naturally have a positive impact on the range of the designed electric vehicle; furthermore, we implemented an innovative steering mechanism optimized during the experimental operations.

A comprehensive review on solar tricycles

A tricycle is a three-wheeled human-powered vehicle. This vehicle is powered by humans so greater human effort is required for operating this vehicle. Tricycles are classified as a hand-driven tricycle, motorized tricycle, electric tricycle. The hand-driven tricycle makes the user tiring. The motorized tricycle uses internal combustion engine which may lead to pollute the environment. The main objective of this work is to produce an eco-friendly motorized tricycle. This electric tricycle uses a motor which is driven by energy stored in the battery. The energy can be obtained from non-conventional sources thereby causing no harm to the environment. In this work, photovoltaic cells were used to obtain the electricity needed to drive the motor. These photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into electric energy. Therefore, this eco-friendly method is used for producing electricity. The main aim of this work is to study a tricycle powered by energy obtained by solar cells for physically challenged people. This tricycle can be operated by physically challenged persons to travel to longer distances without much effort.

Modelling, design and control of a light electric vehicle with hybrid energy storage system for Indian driving cycle

This paper presents the modelling, design and power management of a hybrid energy storage system for a three-wheeled light electric vehicle under Indian driving conditions. The hybrid energy storage system described in this paper is characterized by effective coupling of Li-ion battery (primary energy source) and ultracapacitor (auxiliary source) interfaced with an efficient bi-directional converter. A design methodology related to vehicle modelling, choice of motor rating, converter design, sizing of Li-ion battery and ultracapacitor pack for the Indian driving cycle are presented. An improved real-time power-split management control strategy is proposed for proper power flow control of the hybrid energy storage system under various operating modes. The hybridized energy storage system with proposed control strategy improves the life of the battery and helps in effective utilization of the ultracapacitor. Furthermore, a relative comparison of the hybrid energy storage system with the battery energy storage system based on battery parameters and capital cost is also presented. Simulations are carried out in MATLAB/Simulink environment to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy with modelled system components of three-wheeled light electric vehicle. A downscaled experimental prototype is built to validate the power-split between hybrid energy storage systems.

횡 안정성과 민첩성을 고려한 역삼륜형 퍼스널 모빌리티 차량의 제어기 설계 및 검증

본 논문에서는 역삼륜형 퍼스널 모빌리티 차량의 횡 안정성과 기동성 향상을 위한 요 속도 제어알고리즘을 제시한다. 제시된 요 속도 제어 알고리즘은 센서 출력과 상태 추정을 기반으로 수학적으로 설계된 목표 요 속도를 추종하기 위한 양쪽 인 휠 모터의 차분 토크를 결정한다. 본 논문을 통해 우선 퍼스널 모빌리티 차량의 시뮬레이션 단계에서의 동적 성능 파악을 위하여 시스템의 동역학 모델링과 동작 메커니즘을 소개한다. 이후에 저속에서의 기동성 향상과 고속에서의 횡 안정성 확보를 위한 요 속도 제어 알고리즘을 설명한다. 또한 시뮬레이션과 실차 실험 결과값을 보여줌으로써 제시된 요 속도 제어 알고리즘이 목표 성능을 만족시킴을 확인한다.

Development and optimization of a three-wheeled electric vehicle frame using structural materials

The aim of this paper is to design a new electrical transportation device using structural materials. It concerns with the idea of a new, safe and ecological way of transportation for people in urban areas. The design consists in developing a three-wheeled electric vehicle frame that can carry loads up to 140Kg, is lightweight and easy to store in closed spaces. The design process consists in developing a 3D model, a physical prototype and the optimization of the frame using CAD software with the finite element method.

Effect of social capital on the life satisfaction of paratransit drivers in Sri Lanka

The three-wheeler, a Sri Lankan form of paratransit, is a popular and important mode of transport in Sri Lankan cities due to largely insufficient public transport systems. However, knowledge of the three-wheeler industry including the role of drivers' groups and the effect of these groups' social capital related factors on the driver's life satisfaction is scarcely available. Thus, the objectives of this study are to clarify the actual condition of the industry and to identify the social capital related factors that affect drivers' life satisfaction in three cities in Sri Lanka. To this end, extensive interviews were conducted and revealed that national and local governments do not control the numbers or management of three-wheeler drivers and vehicles, but they do receive rent for using public road space for parking. In order to determine the effect of social capital factors, including working conditions and societal trust levels, on three-wheeler drivers' life satisfaction, we developed an ordered logit model based on questionnaire surveys in three target cities. In addition, the differences among the cities examined regarding provincial policies for three-wheelers, the percentage of drivers who have other jobs, and relationships between drivers' societies were revealed. As a result of the analysis, we identified differences between drivers based in the three cities regarding the social capital and work-related variables that have the greatest impact on their life satisfaction. In particular, we found that drivers based in the city of Kandy emphasized general social capital variables over work conditions and salary, but the opposite was obtained for the cities of Colombo and Moratuwa.

삼륜 전기자동차의 전구간 조향 및 속도 영역 통합 제어 전략

삼륜 전기자동차의 전구간 조향 및 속도 영역 통합 제어 전략

Road traffic mortality in China: analysis of national surveillance data from 2006 to 2016

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.6 is to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2020. We aimed to investigate progress in reducing mortality rates from road traffic injury in China from 2006 to 2016. We obtained data from national disease surveillance points. Crude and age-standardised mortality were calculated, with SEs. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine and quantify trends in overall and subgroup road traffic mortality from 2006 to 2016. Subgroup analyses were done by place (urban and rural), sex, age group, geographical location (province), and road user, and by type of vehicle for motor vehicle occupant deaths. In 2016 in China, crude road traffic mortality was 11·0 (SE 0·11) deaths per 100 000 population. Overall age-adjusted road traffic mortality increased from 12·6 (SE 0·03) deaths per 100 000 population in 2006 to 15·5 (0·03) deaths per 100 000 population in 2011 then decreased to 10·4 (0·03) deaths per 100 000 population in 2016. Subgroup mortality rates generally followed similar trends. Males, older adults, and rural areas consistently had higher road traffic mortality rates than did females, younger people, and urban areas. Mortality changes varied across urban and rural areas and by sex, age group, and province between 2006 and 2016, revealing large urban-rural and provincial disparities and highlighting pedestrians as the most vulnerable road users. Deaths among occupants of cars and three-wheeled motor vehicles constituted 48% and 20%, respectively, of total occupant mortality from road traffic accidents between 2006 and 2016. Despite a substantial decrease in road traffic mortality since 2011, the SDG target to halve deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2020 is unlikely to be reached in China. Systematic and sustainable efforts are needed to accelerate progress in road traffic safety in China. National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Increase of the Overturning Immunity of an Electric Tricycle

The main topic of this paper is the presentation of the keynote of implementation of the newly designed steering mechanism for a tricycle with the electric powertrain with two wheels on the rear axle. On the present, three-wheeled road vehicles with two wheels on the rear axle are wholly dependent on the standard steering mechanism, which main task is the rotation of a front wheel about the steering axis in order to ensure the change of direction in curves. These vehicles are characterised by the relatively poor overturning immunity in a curve. Therefore, in our workplace the new steering mechanism was developed, which is intended to be mounted just in such three-wheeled vehicles construction. The main principle feature of our innovative steering mechanism consists in the additional lateral movement of the front wheel of a vehicle, when it is driving in a curve. Thus, a tricycle using this newly designed steering system can run in curves at greater speed and driving is safer. In this paper, there are presented the working principle of the newly designed steering system as well as dynamic analyses of a three-wheeled vehicle when it is running in curves.

Evaluation of Vibrational Properties of a Three-wheeled Vehicle in Terms of Comfort

Vibrational properties of road vehicile are ussually evaluated according to two criterions, i. e. in terms of comfort for passengers and in terms of drive safety and roadway load. The topic of this article is focused on evaluation of passenger's ride comfort of a three-wheeled road vehicle. From the ride comfort point of view vertical vibration is decisive. Vertical vibration is given by obtained accelerations in given position on an assessed vehicle when it is driving on a road with various surface qualities within required time intervals. In the vehicle's design phase its vibrational properties are detected and evaluated by means of simulation computations on a virtual model. In our research we have assessed ride comfort of the three-wheeled vehicle, which were designed in our workplace. For purposes of dynamic analyses we have used multibody approach using Simpack software. The objective of this work is verification of the relevance of the current mounted suspension system for the greater driving speeds range of the three-wheeled vehicle and for different road qualities.

Using street imagery and crowdsourcing internet marketplaces to measure motorcycle helmet use in Bangkok, Thailand

IntroductionThe majority of Thailand’s road traffic deaths occur on motorised two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles. Accurately measuring helmet use is important for the evaluation of new legislation and enforcement. Current methods...

Vibration Analysis of Narrow Tilting Three-Wheeled Vehicle Suspension System During Cornering

In Indonesia, there are a lot of vehicle on the road. These vehicles are used by the owner even there are only one or two passangers. That is the main reason of traffic jam in Indosia. However, motorbike is the best solution to fully use all part of the road that is provided in Indonesia because of its size, despite of motorbike has less safety than car. Therefore, combination between motorbike and car advantages have to be delivered through new type of vehicle which is narrow tilting three-wheeled vehicle. The goal that we want to achive from this final project is to test the vibration which affected the Narrow Tilting Three-Wheeled Vehicle (NTTWV). The condition that we analize is when the Narrow Tilting Three-Wheeled Vehicle (NTTWV) oscilliating during cornering. This condition is important because in Indonesia, there are a lot of hole located on the cornering part of the road. This is important in order to make the vehicle comfortable to be use in any condition. To have a better analysis, we use three variation which are suspension angle, spring constant and length of the arm. From the research, we could conclude that in order to feel less vibration acceleration we have to decrease the spring constant. Another way to lessen the vibration impact, we could lowering the suspension angle. Lastly, we could extend the arm length in order to have lower vibration impact.

Modelling and analysis of gradient effect on the dynamic performance of three-wheeled vehicle system using Simscape

In India, three-wheeled electric vehicles are one of the important modes of public transport in congested areas. The gradient is an important factor that affects the dynamic performance of the vehicle. The proposed work presents an extensive analysis of the gradient effects on the dynamic performance of a three-wheeled solar electric vehicle. Firstly, we have designed the physical vehicle model of three-wheeled using Simscape® environment tool. The generated torque from “ideal torque source” block is transferred to the input drive shaft of the “differential” mechanism. The output drive shafts of “sun gears” or “differential” block are connected to the rear left as well as to the right wheels respectively. The “ideal translational motion sensor” subsystem block measures the speed and distance of the vehicle. Next, to examine the gradient effects and accuracy of the Simscape model, we have designed the longitudinal vehicle model of a three-wheeled electric vehicle. Undertaken a comparative analysis of the Simscape® models’ results from the longitudinal vehicle model for three different road gradient condition having a slope of zero degrees (0°), six degrees (6°) and twelve degrees (12°) respectively.

Design and Material Analysis of a Suspension System in Scooter by using Finite Element Analysis Method

The principle part for a vehicle suspension is the compression spring system, which is fabricated for arresting shock impulse. Suspension system work on the principle of fluid transformation between compression and expansion cycle. Mostly the suspension system is used in motorcycles for providing better handling, prompt braking, safety, and comfort by keeping the passengers isolated from road noise, bumps, and vibration. The shock absorbers duty is to absorb or dissipate energy. In a vehicle, it reduces the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality, and increase in comfort due to the substantially reduced amplitude of disturbances. In most of the cases, the spring which is used in the scooter suspension system is made up of beryllium copper, phosphor bronze and titanium, but in this research paper a scooter suspension system is designed and the designed suspension system is analyzed using ansys with different material properties. The composite material gives less deformation because of the high stiffness to load carrying capacity. So the Composite suspension system is recommended for two and three-wheeled vehicles.

From Design to Manufacture of a Carbon Fiber Monocoque for a Three-Wheeler Vehicle Prototype.

This paper describes the design process of the monocoque for IDRAkronos, a three-wheeler hydrogen prototype focused on fuel efficiency, made to compete at the Shell Eco-Marathon event. The vehicle takes advantage of the lightweight and high mechanical performance of carbon fiber to achieve minimal mass and optimized fuel consumption. Based on previous experiences and background knowledge, the authors describe their work toward a design that integrates aerodynamic performance, style, structural resistance and stiffness. A portrayal of the objectives, load cases, simulations and production process—that lead to a final vehicle winner of the Design Award and 1st place general at the 2016 competition—is presented and discussed.

Design of a prototype frame of an electrically driven three-wheel vehicle

The article deals with the design of the frame, which will serve to build a new prototype three-wheel vehicle with ecological drive. The proposed frame will be made of aluminum to reduce the weight of a three-wheel vehicle. The new design will allow for optimal distribution of individual parts of an electric vehicle. The 3D model of the frame is created in the CATIA program. The static load calculation will be realized in the ANSYS program.

Investigation of ride properties of a three-wheeled electric vehicle in terms of driving safety

Abstract This article presents process and results of investigation of ride properties of a three-wheeled electric vehicle, which was designed in our workplace. As the key factors of ride properties driving safety and ride comfort for passenger are analysed. Ride comfort for passenger of road vehicles is one of the most important performances of vehicle; the research of automotive passenger ride comfort is getting more and more important. At the same every vehicle has to meet quite strict criteria for driving safety. Process of investigation was carried out using Simpack multibody software package.