Vulcan Engineering Razor AType Foldable Kick Scooter Ambrose

Vulcan Engineering: Razor A-Type Foldable Kick Scooter Ambrose Contreras; Tucker Hawkinson; Kaijus Palm; Sky White Engineering 120 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Abstract The Razor A-Type Foldable Kick Scooter was designed to improve the safety and maneuverability of the user. A newly optimized base, with improved durability, provided a high safety factor when used recreationally. Additionally, a cup holder has been added in case the user is transporting beverages as well and can not ride the scooter with less than two hands. Vulcan Engineering worked in a highly team oriented setting to better the product for the user and meet their demanded needs. Methodology To re-design the scooter, Vulcan Engineering strove to make life for it’s rider easier and more safe. First, research was conducted to find the most negative aspects of the product. This was found through customer reviews and comments given by avid scooter riders. Most customers complained about the wheels jamming in sidewalk cracks and sewer grates as well as the need for more hands because the rider must use both to hold the handlebars in order to remain stable. After taking the feedback into account, the company decided upon an attachment that would allow more functionality and safety while riding, a cupholder was deemed most appropriate as it would allow the rider continued access of both hands when in possession of a beverage. After further analysis, as shown in Figures 1 through 7, the base of the scooter was redesigned to increase safety during recreational use of the scooter. The redesign is adequate in terms of factor of safety, as shown in Figure 6, but provides for better and more alluring aesthetics, something that could increase the price of sale. Introduction Analysis Cont. Figure 5: Modified base using force lines provided in Figure 4. Total weight reduction: 0. 155 kg or 0. 34 lbs. The Razor Type A Scooter is a versatile product for college that allows for faster transportation around campus. It is both lightweight and compact, easy to fold for classes and dorm life, and is an inexpensive mode of transportation. The Razor scooter is also perfect for those who do not want the bulk structure of a bike or do not know how to ride a longboard or skateboard. However, there are several issue involving the functionality of the scooter. One of the main issues regarding the scooter is the need to stabilize with both hands, leaving no availability for the user to carry anything else, the modified cup-holder is meant to lessen this burden. The cup holder is designed so various sized bottles can fit as well as other various objects smaller in size or attachments. The cup holder will also be easily removed with a single screw, however will be sturdy enough to limit sway. Figure 6: Factor of Safety for modified base under high riding load. Analysis We ran three separate load cases for the analysis: Load Case 1: Support One - Support Two - Force One (200 lb) (Simulated 200 lb person riding normally) Load Case 2: Support One - Force Two (250 lb, 500 lb) (Simulated side impact under load from heights of about 1 m and 2 m) Figure 1: Load cases for testing Load Case 3: Support One - Force Three (250 lb, 500 lb) (Simulated rear impact under load from heights of about 1 m and 2 m) Figure 2: Displacement for base design with high riding load. Figure 3: (Above) Factor of Safety for base design with high riding load. Figure 4: (Left) Force lines from optimization run one. Figure 7: Displacement for modified base under high riding load. Conclusion After several tests and load cases, Vulcan Engineering found that the original base was just as, if not, more safe than the redesigned part proving both to be sufficient, especially since the load simulated was a 200 lb person, above the recommended weight for the average rider. This comparison can also be made in reference to the displacement, which is highly similar in the original and redesigned bases. In the future, the company hopes to tackle more of the user un-friendly aspects of the scooter like the wheel thickness. Conversely, the cup holder is extremely effective and will allow various sizes of cups and/or bottles and smaller objects to be securely held, free from major sway without interfering with vital mechanisms. Department of Engineering Fundamentals Fall 2015 EGR 120 09