A.I. Looking at the front axle configuration, this may develop into a cast or machined product that could be used instead of the current stub axle and screw thread version currently on the vehicle.
M.Z. Is wanting to develop the suspension on the vehicle, possibly using springs with a separate chassis, this could make the vehicle higher but would improve the ride and feel of driving the vehicle.
D.F. Has decided to look at improving the steering mechanism by using a steering box link system or similar device which would make the steering lighter and make it easier for younger drivers especially at slow speeds.
U.R. Wants to make it easier to make the outside tub, possibly making it from composite materials which would then be bolted onto the floor pan of the vehicle, this would make it easier and quicker to make as a mould would be available.
M.K. Is looking at the electronic control of the vehicle, the current standard drive for this is direct drive of the motor, He is trying to develop a gradual start, which would increase the speed from stop to approx. 6mph after about 2-3 seconds.
T.A. Once the project is finished we would like to sell the vehicle, T.A. is to look at the various methods to advertise it around the area, but who would want it and how much are they willing to pay. What options could we use to make it more saleable
N.M & R.W. have decided that the brake mechanism could be improved, so should we use disks, drum or another method. how could this be fit to the vehicle and mechanised to improve stopping. A challenge as it means redesigning some of the existing parts and drive mechanism.
C.D. is to look at the front bulkhead and panel screen, how could this be made lighter but still as strong so that it can still support the steering mechanism, how would this be fitted to both the standard tub body or a composite body such as that proposed by U.R.
S.K. Is to look at the drive from the motor to the wheels, could this be done via a belt drive and what would be the benefits and limitations, would a gearbox be better and how could these be linked together.
See photo page for more details on progress so far.
i have taken the idea of the rack and pinion steering mechanism currently used on go karts as my idea , for the toy lander as they are roughly the same size , i will continue to do research and weigh up the negatives and positives of using the rack and pinion method.
ReplyDeleteHi Danny, good, don't forget to look at 3 options or solutions and get as many benefits and limitations as you can, ask others for input into your ideas, they may think of things that are not immediatley obvious to you or me.
DeleteWe've come so far since then, the Toylander's really starting to take shape.
ReplyDeleteYes it is Courtney, I hope you have taken plenty of photo's so you can show how your bulkhead fits into the rest of the body Tub. Put some comments on here about your ideas and what you plan to do. Well Done so far.
DeleteHi, I like this concept.
ReplyDeleteHi monkey_boy Yes hopefully the students will eventually contribute to the blog and they can get on with their projects.
DeleteI like this concept too, monkey_boy182.
DeleteFor my project I have set out to use an alternative drive system from the one currently being used. The typical drive system used in a Toylander is a chain driven drive system through sprockets. I am looking at modifying this by applying a different type of drive system and the one I have in mind would be a belt drive. Hopefully as the team get closer to finishing the Toylander, we can see whether my idea was a beneficial one...
ReplyDeleteSaakib Khan.
See below - 11.15
DeleteI am also considering the direct drive system, can I please have some suggestions on which anyone considers to be a better option?
ReplyDeleteSaakib Khan.
Hi Saakib, Well done so far, what you need to do for your project is describe 3 possible solutions to the problem and say what the benefits and limitations are, my first advice is to say how the existing system works (sprocket and chain drive) and what the problems are if any. You could then look at the possibility of using a Vee belt drive either direct from the motor via a pulley onto a pully on the axle, or using a gearbox and have the pulley driven from the shaft of the gearbox. A 3rd possibility may be to have a direct drive, however this may be a problem because of the positioning of the motor which would need to be inline with the axis of the wheel. Your project needs to look at the benefits and limitations to each of the options above and then say which you have selected and how it could be fit to the vehicle, why have you selected this option etc. ---- Not sure why you have put comment on later at 11.15 ?.
DeleteI have taken the idea of the braking system as my project. I have chosen to use disc brakes mounted to the rear axle with a solid rotating axle inside the current rear axle. I will be using callipers as my brake pads, i need to research the different materials which the pads could be and how i can make this effective by giving the pads equal force along the whole of the pad.
ReplyDelete- Nathen McNaughton
Hi Nathen,
DeleteWe will be turning the body over today, this would be a great opportunity for you to get some detailed photo's of how the existing mechanism works and what you would need to do to modify it for your design.