Proposed Designs

The most completed system of the final design is the chassis.  It will be made out of 6061-T6 aluminum round tubing. A couple different diameters will be used to accommodate the different amounts of strength needed in each area, while remaining somewhat standardized. 

                The structure of the suspension will be made of hollow steel tie rods and will use rear bicycle shocks as the shock absorbers.  The specific lengths of the tie rods and the load capacity of the shock absorbers still need to be determined.

The steering system will also be comprised primarily of tie rods as well.  They form a four bar linkage to transfer rotation from bicycle handlebars in the back to the front.  At the front the front bar of the linkage will be connected to the wheel mounts.  Exact dimensions must be calculated to acquire the desired turning radius.

                The wheels and braking system will be primarily purchased.  The brakes will include a hydraulic disk brake on each wheel as well as a “digger” brake. 

                The collapsible portion of the cart still must be designed.  The primary function of this portion is to support the steering handlebars and provide something for the passenger to hold onto.  This will likely be made of some form of lightweight tubing, but dimensions and materials are yet to be determined.