Friday video! How NOT to design your electric three-wheeler
Whilst perusing the internetz for the latest and greatest green-go-gadgets, we happened across a somewhat mysterious video that we think might offer our readers something in the way of both amusement and a free physics lesson. The clip features several different three-wheel electric vehicles careening about a makeshift course piloted by guys with remarkably dubious driving ability, possibly for the benefit of an engineering school competition. (Or perhaps it was for a reality TV show, our Farsi comprehension is as poor as our Thai)
Regardless of the reason for its existence, the vid demonstrates that just because you design a vehicle to be green, it doesn't mean it's safe. Also demonstrated is the importance of doors and helmets, along with the dangers of loitering about a race course with expensive film equipment. Hit the jump for madcap careening action as well as a bonus video that reveals the true green nature of the event that spawned this bit of craziness.
[Source: YouTube]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
PeterG 12:34PM (12/05/2008)
You would think basic physics would be part of industrial design schools.
High center of gravity and narrow wheelbase would kill 4 wheel cars as well but it is even worse with 3 wheeled ones.
How could a the whole team miss this?
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meme 12:45PM (12/05/2008)
What on Earth is wrong with these people? Do they know nothing at all about design? Or do they give bonus points for the most photogenic crash?
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slk23 1:31PM (12/05/2008)
I guess we don't have to worry about the Iranians pulling ahead of the USA in EV technology anytime soon.
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Joe 1:45PM (12/05/2008)
These people need to get some arm-restraints before someone breaks their arm. I saw at least two people stick their arms out to stop the roll.
That and they need to learn about... everything.
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ug 1:47PM (12/05/2008)
They aren't building 3 wheel vehicles out of choice. They are building 3 wheel vehicles to get around federal regulations, period.
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Mark 4:06PM (12/05/2008)
Turn INTO the roll! Everyone knows this... second thing they teach in Test Pilot school.
Also, it's remarkable they were all able to create such similar design flaws... remarkable consistency from these rules/regs...
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kballs 7:37PM (12/06/2008)
If they're going to be that skinny, they either need to tilt like a bike, or have a center of gravity 1 inch off the ground.
It was quite entertaining to see them crashing over and over and over (and the bystanders also being such slow learners getting run over and over and...).
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bob barker 4:23AM (12/07/2008)
They certainly managed to gather a lot of crash and safety data. Even data involving honest to goodness pedestrians. Very impressive.
I wonder if it was intentional.
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jim 4:44PM (12/07/2008)
Three wheelers, unless they lean into the turn or have exceptionally low centers of gravity, are inherently unstable. Turning they typical drive loose in one of these death traps is an accident waiting to happen. There was a reason 3 wheel ATVs are banned.
Search You Tube for the Top Gear boys rolling a Robin for grins.
The companies that are building 3 wheel cars to avoid auto safety requirements will find themselves in court when people start dying in those things.
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mr.ed 8:07AM (12/08/2008)
ID is an art course. I got an engineering degree at the same time, with some duplication, such as chemistry, but certainly no physics. The ID schedule had figure drawing, but not anatomy, needed for ergonomic design considerations.
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One of designers 1:40PM (12/08/2008)
You was watching a video consisting of several 3-wheel vehciles. some information in this area by one of designers:
1- That was a competition for designing EV's:Weigth less than 180 kg, width less than 90cm, with an determined amount of energy.
2- All of these vehicles have been made by students just within 8 months from the start to the end in three stage: concept, design, production
3- This video is just the Events of the competition happened during 1 week.
The first prototype had a great problem. The Motor Controller was out of circuit. You can not ignore your attempts during 8 months when the match has been started.
What's wrong with you gays, this is just an attemp by some Iranian students, you think, you are the smartest !?? hahhaha
enjoy your dreams babiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiihhhhh
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One of designers 1:49PM (12/08/2008)
here is the source
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv1gtpLbG4A
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