06-11-2006, 10:54 PM | #1 |
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Another Wacky idea?
(Originally filed OT as it doesn't fit in any other category. Moderators, please relocate if/as you see fit)
Since a number of indicators have shown that the p-series is due to be discontinued, how about a wish-list of ideas to be put into a revised design? Not all these ideas are practical, so please bear with me. Also, market conditions have shown the existing very practical p-series was not widely adopted, so doesn't one has to push the limits of practicality for a successor? Specifications: Passenger weight/cargo capacity: Similar to existing p-series spec.Battery: One set of removable packs built into the platform, range 5 miles (real-world conditions, not promised. If you want to promise something, promise 8 miles.)Weight: Target = 20-25 lbs. (lowest range mode - no extra packs) Unrealistic perhaps, but it will have to be that light to really get into public transport situations. (busses, trains, taxis).(Here's where I'm going to loose your attention and respect, if you've even read this far!) Wheel configuration: Four oversized in-line skate wheels (4 to 6 inches in diameter), two on either side. There are still two gearboxes, but instead of directly driving one large wheel apiece, belts or gears deliver the torque to a front and rear wheel at the end of two arms, each arm longer than the radius of the wheels.Price: Target = $1000 - $1500 SRP for base model(see below). Additional packs would be $400 SRP per pair. And dealer overhead must be considered, (the dealer network turned out to be more important than originally considered, the HT doesn't "sell itself") so manufacturing costs of the base unit+1 set of packs must be $600 to $800 (if not less). If the plan doesn't consider this sort of thing, it might as well be a "no-go".--------------------- Caveats: 1. Manufacturing costs to build such a thing might be way to high to support what the retail market is willing to pay. 2. May be rejected as a real "HT" because it doesn't have the conventional two wheels. 3. While 1/4 of a existing Saphion i-series battery may have enough energy stored to propel an HT for 5 miles, it doesn't have enough instantaneous "current on demand" to keep a heavy load balanced safely. Another improvement in battery technology is needed to provide a cell that is lightweight, not too expensive and has a high "C" discharge rate (and maybe a high "C" charge rate too.) -------------------- Now, much of this is opinion on my part of what would be sellable features. But I'm not the one who's going to be selling it. I invite anyone in a sales capacity to explain what they think would help sell a p-series type HT and their supporting reasons. |
06-13-2006, 10:03 AM | #2 |
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cool
I'm not sure of the feasibility or marketability, but I'm clicking you reputation points for very interesting ideas.
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06-13-2006, 11:04 AM | #3 | |
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06-13-2006, 11:47 PM | #4 |
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I don't think it's a wacky idea...
... at all... in fact, I think it'd be perfect for an XT, mainly because the tilt would compensate for the "shin claustrophobia" when leaning into turns, BRAVO!
I think your idea(s) can be modified to an actuated active suspension / tilt system for two wheels, in between the gearbox and platform, or the gearbox and wheel... Keep those ideas coming! Points to you! -Sal
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06-14-2006, 12:49 AM | #5 | |
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Maybe the gear reduction could be done with gears or belts in the interior of the suspension arm, relocating the reduction gears, so to speak, and eliminating the gearbox. Running gears or belts inside of a suspension arm might get a little complicated and undependable though. To simplify, perhaps hub-motor technology has advanced to the point where the motors would be eliminated from the platform and make the gearbox unnecessary. I was thinking four wheels could make the overall HT design smaller and lighter. If one wants to scale-up instead, I would propose that "Landmaster" type tri-wheels would be awesome for off road. Landmaster wheels are so called because of the movie prop made for the movie "Damnation Alley". I had posted about it once, but that post occurred during the time the board went down, and it didn't make it onto the backup tape. I would think three seven-to-nine-inch wheels in the "tri-" arraignment on either side of a XT would let it climb over all sorts of things, even stairs (if they were of the proper dimensions). Almost a kind of "poor mans" i-bot! But then again, you'd be loosing the "two, non-tandem wheels" concept and using three or four wheels at a time (out of a total of six) with the dual tri-wheels. |
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06-14-2006, 10:09 AM | #6 | |
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