By Jonathan Tolman
Eleven engineering students have spent the last 8 months planning, designing and building a two-person, four-wheel, leg-powered vehicle.
The Quadracycle incorporates some revolutionary elements in its design that have not been seen on four-wheeled cycles before.
The frame is composed of just a few curved pieces of 2-inch aluminum tubing, so the entire vehicle weighs only 35 pounds. The lightest similar products on the market weigh about 70 pounds.
'We had to do a lot of research on things that are already out there,' said Kevin Beavers, 23, a senior majoring in manufacturing engineering from Rochester, NY.
Both passengers can pedal in the BYU Quadracycle, but they do not have to pedal at the same speed. Both drive wheels have independent gear systems.
The project also has a sophisticated steering mechanism that employs Ackermann geometry to maximize the Quadracycle''s maneuverability.
Finally, all four wheels are fully suspended, offering a smooth ride to the drivers as they sit in padded seats.
'It was fun to see them at the end with a product that really works, after starting out with drawings and designs,' said Lisa Barrager, part-time faculty in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and coach of the Quadracycle team. 'This was a really fun project. It''s very hands-on.'
One of the biggest challenges was coordinating the 22 hands that worked on the Quadracycle over the last several months. Kevin Beavers was assigned to serve as the project manager for the second semester.
'It was really difficult getting things organized,' Beavers said. 'We only had a budget of $1,200. It was really hard to manufacture within that budget.'
Nate Braithwaite, 29, a senior majoring in industrial design from Orem created the initial concept for the vehicle''s design.
'It gives you a pretty good sense of satisfaction to see the actual production of something you designed,' Braithwaite said.
Braithwaite''s first concept sketches went through numerous revisions and adjustments before the final product.
He said the most difficult portion of the project was integrating the different parts, such as the frame, steering, suspension, and drive train.
Now that the Quadracycle is complete, the department and team are considering its marketability.
'There''s a possibility of a company coming in to purchase the design,' Beavers said.
According to the project''s website, the Quadracycle could be sold for $2,400.
The vehicle will be on display in the first floor of the library atrium from April 22-April 28.s