Description
With the onset of global warming and the need for alternative transportation methods that do not rely on fossil fuels, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers began the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge, which encourages students to seek innovation in human powered transportation. For our senior design project, our team built a vehicle capable of competing in the race. The goal of the competition is for engineering students to demonstrate their knowledge and refine their engineering skills through competing with other schools to have the best human powered vehicle and the most innovative design while remaining practical. Our design is centered around a recumbent style bicycle with a stylized fairing to reduce drag. The frame follows the popular “ground hugger” design with an optimized seat angle of 105o for maximum transition of rider movement to mechanical energy. A solid roll-bar and seat with harness protects the rider from serious injury in the event of a crash. Headlights, taillights, and turn signals provide the rider with the means to communicate with others of the road or path. The HPV is able to effectively navigate the obstacles commonly encountered by a rider on the average commute, handle transportation of small loads, and provide a comfortable ride for the user.
ASME Human Powered Vehicle Challenge
With the onset of global warming and the need for alternative transportation methods that do not rely on fossil fuels, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers began the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge, which encourages students to seek innovation in human powered transportation. For our senior design project, our team built a vehicle capable of competing in the race. The goal of the competition is for engineering students to demonstrate their knowledge and refine their engineering skills through competing with other schools to have the best human powered vehicle and the most innovative design while remaining practical. Our design is centered around a recumbent style bicycle with a stylized fairing to reduce drag. The frame follows the popular “ground hugger” design with an optimized seat angle of 105o for maximum transition of rider movement to mechanical energy. A solid roll-bar and seat with harness protects the rider from serious injury in the event of a crash. Headlights, taillights, and turn signals provide the rider with the means to communicate with others of the road or path. The HPV is able to effectively navigate the obstacles commonly encountered by a rider on the average commute, handle transportation of small loads, and provide a comfortable ride for the user.