DESIGN OF COMBINED STEERING AND TILTING MECHANISM ON TADPOLE THREE-WHEELED VEHICLE

• Main Author: Novrizal Rahmat, Adhin
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/62688
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Today, people are commonly using car as a personal mobility vehicle, due to its comfortable nature. Although Tadpole 3-wheeled vehicle can provide equal comfort while providing energy consumption and vehicle dimension approaching motorcycle, this type of vehicle is easier to undergo rollover compared to car and motorcycle. This shows lower lateral stability trait of 3-wheeled vehicle which makes its adoption as personal mobility means uncommon. The main narrative in this bachelor thesis is to design combined steering and tilting mechanism which was hoped to increase lateral stability of Tadpole 3-wheeled vehicle. Design process is done on steering mechanism applied to 3-wheeled vehicle used for energy efficient competition. Tilting actuation mechanism is applied through fitting a sliding pin to each knuckle. Linkage between tilting and steering mechanism is realized with scotchyoke mechanism, consisted of tilting yoke and scotchyoke pin which is fitted to steering rod. The initial assembled design then verified whether is kinematically correct, fulfill the Ackermann steering principle, and improving critical velocity aspect. Some notable result is critical velocity improvement by 18%. The initial design strength is analyzed in steady-state cornering condition using finite element method. Bearing rod end mount and lower bearing rod end are found as a critical component. Design iteration is done through thickening of bearing rod end mount and material change done to lower bearing rod end’s body.