Danish design studio N55, in collaboration with German designer Till Wolfer, has created a series of open-source human-powered vehicle designs that can be built at home using basic tools and materials. Dubbed XYZ Spaceframe Vehicles, the models incorporate weather-resistant and lightweight frames that are made using standard aluminum tubes. Those tubes are assembled using simple stainless steel bolts, washers and nuts. “Unlike the singular load-bearing tube seen in traditional bike structures, the main structure is an orthogonal spaceframe of standard aluminum tubes,” says N55.
The vehicle designs consciously use aluminum with its advantageous strength to weight ratio for the cost. Due to its natural ability to resist corrosion by protecting its own surface with aluminum oxide, the metal is also naturally weather-resistant and thus the use of chemical surface treatments can be avoided.
The XYZ Spaceframe Vehicle construction plans include a single- or double-seated model and a cargo version that’s suitable for loading up and transporting the groceries. The plans position the wheels and chains within the frame and at a distance from the rider. The recumbent rider is also positioned at a comfortable height, without putting unnecessary stress on their legs. Self-greasing plastic washers are used for the steering components, and the exposed ends of the tubes are capped with a standard plastic PE plug, preventing any nasty sharp corners.
All other parts such as wheels, pedals, and seats are standard features that can be commonly acquired from hardware stores or bicycle shops. Furthermore, the models can be easily upgraded with the addition of a cover to improve wind resistance, or even with an electric motor to aid in longer journeys.
The project reflects N55’s goal of creating a greener environment and lifestyle, and thus the XYZ Spaceframe Vehicle plans can be downloaded free of charge from its website. The studio also encourages the development of small human powered vehicle factories within local communities, to further encourage the use of non-fossil fueled vehicles.
Ed's note, September 18: This article originally repeated N55's claims that aluminum is three times stronger than steel. This is not the case.
Source: N55
Thanks to all at N55... :-)
I really did like the simplicity and the use of standard parts. Also that the chain and drive system is kept away from the driver. The cargo system would also be interesting, seems it should be able to carry a good load. The seat seems to be more stylistic than practical, unless there is some kind of moulded seat you are likely to skid around a bit. I would also think that the version with a short wheelbase migh be a bit nervous on the road, though that might be an advantage in cities. Fully equipped I think it will be difficult to come very much below 50 pounds on this bike. Just the bolts should be a couple of pounds...
Still, this is one of the most "buildable" designs I have seen so far...
When I told him that I loved the design of the Mog he quickly winced and said no-no! 3 wheeled vehicles are exceedingly dangerous. This proved to be true in the Progressive insurance Automotive X-prize. Watching one of the vehicles spin a 180 on the breaking test was scary as hell to one who understood what Bill Was saying.
He also in his retirement perfected suspension designs saying that it was a shame that he had not discovered the truth earlier. And he did this with a very simple test that an intelligent child could perform.
He simply used a board and made an inclined plane. He then built 3 exquisite models that really belong in the Henry Ford Museum. One was a 4 wheeled configuration, one 6, and one 8. Simply placing them on the inclined plane and letting them roll revealed that the 8 wheeled vehicle rolled much farther than the others. And yes, the 6 wheeled vehicle rolled farther than the 4 wheeled vehicle. Bill would look at you and smile and say the 8 wheeled vehicle has a much lower rolling resistance by a factor of 4.
Think about the common rail car. It has 8 wheels in bogied pairs. Believe it or not, it has that configuration for one reason only... much lower rolling resistance.
Bill's design was clever, Yes there were 4 bogied pairs and there were two walking beams connected at the center as a hinge. The springs were traverse at each end.
When The team from Keio University brought their 19 passenger car to the NAIAS they indicated that it was tested at 200mph and it had 8 wheels, the suspension was hydraulic but configured the same way Bill did his. The ELIICA is a more normal automobile with 8 wheels and it's outstanding performance is attributed in part by the low rolling resistance configuration.
It is time that we disabuse ourselves of thinking that less wheels provides a lower rolling resistance as Bill Pointed out. Sir Alex Moulton mentioned to me that as a youngster he was delighted to play with a Packard and ride it up and down with his friends as it self leveled.
Insightfully Innovative engineers are a thrill to behold.
And I'd bet that the Danish Engineers could come up with a design like Bill's that would delightfully surprise even them.
Bill Dickens