In today's society the use of highly efficient vehicles is on the rise. It is important to meet the standards set by gasoline powered vehicles and those set by the public appeal. This includes the ability to function and perform as the standard gasoline power vehicle. Most of the high efficient vehicles of today lack the power and performance compared to their gasoline powered counterparts. Here, one important aspect to consider is the handling characteristics of a three wheeled electric vehicle. The improvement of vehicle handling may appeal to more people and help the market for the high efficient vehicle. The team intends to design a front end suspension for a high efficient three wheeled vehicle that will be built for competition and possible production. To help achieve this goal, analysis on the suspension components will be generated performing an ADAMS simulation and a Finite Element Analysis using COSMOS with the use of lateral and impulse forces. The results yield a kinematic response of the suspension and the stresses endured under high performance and extreme driving conditions. The project has the potential to lead into innovative ideas for the handling performance desired from a three wheeled high efficient vehicle. Project headed by Novakinetics.

Problem Statement

We want to design a front end suspension for a high efficient three wheeled vehicle that will be built for competition and possible production. The design must meet requirments set forth by the client and be composed of easily manufactured parts. The vehicle must also meet the X Prize Competition requirments. (X Prize requirements)

Requirments

The main objective of this project is to design a unique front suspension for a three wheeled vehicle. The three wheels will be oriented with two at the front of the vehicle and one at the rear. This will allow for the front wheel drive and front wheel steer to be integrated into the design. The ride and handling characteristics will be that equivalent to a standard compact passenger sports car. The suspension system needs to be light weight and have a high side to side rigidity to acquire the desired handling characteristics. As the suspension cyles it must not interfere with the passenger compartment while keeping the frontal area as small as possible to reduce drag effects on the vehicle.

Design Features and Specifications

• The ride height of the vehicle must sit at 40 inches from the ground to the eye height of a 5 foot 8 inch person
• Wheelbase of 120 inches
• The vehicle is estimated to weigh 2000 pounds
• Turning radius of 20 feet
• Ground clearence of 12 inches
• Wheel travel of 5 inches
• Total project budget near $1500