iansillett Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 Hey guys, I've decided to make a kite buggy for my A level. Should be relativly do-able, i have seen all of Popeye's vid and will come up with a design crossed with one of his. My main issue is for A level we need all this paperwork, research and analysis and that crap. What I need is a problem. I need to have a reason why I am making one, it has to be to solve a problem, not just cause I want to. I have been thinking of saying 'I need a folding buggy which is large enough for me' but i would like a real reason to be honest. Any suggestions?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
high.as.a.kite Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 Does it have to be 'folding'? A folding buggy is a solution to the problem of limited transport/storage space, without the long assembly/disassembly times associated with reducing a normal buggy to its component parts. Could you go for fast/easy assembly, structurally sound, small pack-down size? Folding the buggy then becomes one of your possible solutions. Others could include spanner-free quick release joints, a 'suicide' buggy, a 'bicycle' buggy, a cantilever (not sure if that is the right word) buggy! Think outside the box and come up with a whole bunch of (crazy) ideas. Then explore some of the ideas for cost & practicality. Then make proof of concept for one or two. And then if you still have time and haven't already done enough for your 'A' level go ahead and built your buggy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noggin Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 You won't get a better reply than that!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystic Kiter Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 your problem could be- how to develop a petrol free method of transport in times of recession! not sure how this could work In the town but is great on the beach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catdog1121 Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 I have one for you, how about making a big buggy with some sort of adjustments on the side rails, most buggys have different sizes or you buy a buggy from your measurements, but we all gain a few pounds (or in rare circumstances lose a few pounds). Maybe some kind of adjustment, even if its something really simple like bolt on some extra plates to the side rails to narrow them. I would avoid the folding thing, its been tried before, the PL folding buggy, problem is the folding aspect tends to dictate the design a little too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batz Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 Don't do a folder. But something with Quick release bits and maybe a 2 piece rear axle (hardest bit to get in a small car) would be good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim O'Hara Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 Don't do a folder. But something with Quick release bits and maybe a 2 piece rear axle (hardest bit to get in a small car) would be good. There's an idea, how about something like the PTW Cheetah where the two triangular bits on the back detach with quick releases. Then come up with a way to use a quick release disconnect on the swan neck. Sounds like a pretty tall order though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowlovva Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 (edited) The best way to approach a piece of Design project work is to design a product that solve a specific problem or specific need. With all the best intentions (looking at your age) AS or A Level coursework is done best when someone tries to actively solve a problem through their designing and modelling. You might find it easier if you were to get hold of a buggy and then design a folding axle, steering device for the dissabled...etc for it. Not only will it give you definate direction.....but the sizes of the pre-existing buggy that you use will give you plenty of restrictions to design within....which exam boards seem to like at the moment If you are going to design a folding or collapsable buggy then can I suggest that you also have a specific space, volume, box or bag that you want to get it to fit into. At the end of the project you will then have a way of measuring your success. So your Need and Design Brief might want to go something like this: Need: Kite buggying is an increasingly popular sport. One of the issues faced by kite buggiers, is the transport of their buggy to and from the spot at which the use it. (Then, to investigate this need you can look at the different ways people use to transport their buggy (trailer, roof rack, etc) Design Brief: Design a Kite Buggy that can be collapsed to fit into (the space you have chosen) (make sure that you dont say 'fold'...cos the range if initial designs you can produce in the beginning will be restricted..........even an inflatable buggy is a valid solution to begin with! Then when you get to research...look at how existing buggys are collapsed and also look at how other products can be collapsed.....some of the best solutions come form the most random bits of research......... or If you can already kite buggy...and have one....design a ramp or rail that is easy to transport and set up.....imaging how much fun you will have testing out those designs!!! Edited May 25, 2012 by Flowlovva oops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popeyethewelder Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 There's an idea, how about something like the PTW Cheetah where the two triangular bits on the back detach with quick releases. Then come up with a way to use a quick release disconnect on the swan neck. Sounds like a pretty tall order though. detachable rear axles...that will be the Wildkat then Wildkat Buggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand-Yeti Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 As part of your paper presentation on a kite buggy, you could discuss the buggy geometry design & why you have selected it. It should include a discussion on buggy weight distribution. You will have to assume that a standard person weighs 80 kgs and a standard height (whatever that is - maybe 1.75m). Show calculations to show C of G & height subject to whatever selected terrain you decide upon. Wheel selection should be based on providing sufficient floatation whatever wheels/tyres you select (will be subject to terrain). You can also discuss tyre pressures & what that does to buggy performance. Calculate out all frame dimensions based on dynamic loading. 3 G's is probably OK but Giorgio designed his last buggy based on 5G's because of the particularly extreme terrain we buggy in. You can also add into your equation the effect of the kite pulling sideways on the buggy & include torsional calculations on some of the buggy components that are not only subject to bending & shear loading. If you can demonstrate the buggy design by calculation, it will show that you can apply yourself to just about all structures. The other ideas mentioned above are good like building a buggy for ease of transportation & assembly & disassembly. PL built buggies that had a rapid rear axle removal; just the rear of the rails sliding into tubes welded on the axle but not a good idea from my standpoint. I built one buggy that had 8 bolts holding the side rails to the rear axle. That was very strong but unnecessary and a pain to remove & install. On my latest buggies, I use just two bolts. I think for future buggies I will still use two bolts but make them so that I don't need to use spanners to unscrew them. I sure like the idea of kite buggies being green: No burning of fossil fuels to polute the atmosphere and that it is a healthy sport to help maintain the fitness of the buggier. That sort of rubbish would go down well to whoever is assessing you paper. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iansillett Posted May 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 The main issue I am facing is actually coming up with a problem I am trying to fix. My idea at the moment is 'any folding/detachable buggy is too small for me to fit in comftably'. Any other problems or issues that you guys could suggest that I could try to 'solve'? Cheers for all the replies, all good info/feedback Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eLuSiVeMiTe Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 Just a though. Problem Transporting a kite buggy on an aircraft avoiding excess baggage charges Solution Design abuggy that will disassemble easily and can be fitted into a case within the size and weight limits for air travel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaos Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 (edited) Well I think you have a good sample group of enthusiasts to base a questionnaire as part of the research. Where do they buggy 5 to 15, 15 to 30 miles etc., etc., How they transport their buggy If broken down, what size car, Compact, Estate, People Mover, Van What surfaces they buggy on Riders Weight Riders Height Buggy used for Race or Tricks or Cruising Kites used, FB, depower etc., And plenty of designs of manufactured buggies to critique, length, width, weight, wheels and tyres, seating ergonomics, support & comfort Good luck Edited May 26, 2012 by Chaos a bit more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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