DAVE MARIN

Human Powered Vehicles
In the Prototypes 3 course, the students were charged with creating new styles of ‘fun’ vehicles for children at full adult scale for testing functions and utilizing CNC technology for the primary fabrication method. Students tested various different methods of human-powered movement, examining paddle bodes, trikes, rowing machines and railroad pump cars. During the course, the groups built models and mockups of the different components that would eventually form their final product.

Gabrielle Zelepos, Yingying Yang, Peter Zweifel created the Monster and looked to alternative driving systems – paying particular attention to the motion of a rowing machine. The seat glides on a roller structure and the movement of the seat turns the drive chain. Using the reference of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, the group worked toward a vehicle that created an image of eccentricity commanding attention. Their prototype includes a rack and pinion steering system with a steering column that moves with the driver as their movement drives the vehicle forward.

Ting Hua Chen, Jaeseong Yi, and Juwon Buhn developed the Racer, which incorporates design elements from Forumula 1 vehicles. Designing a streamlined low-profile vehicle they integrated the aesthetics of speed and aerodynamics while exploring the ergonomics of the driver. Their prototype includes rack and pinion steering, rear wheel drive, with features of an adjustable seat and back to accommodate size variance, a steering column that moves and fits around the driver and a movable rear “door” that allows access to the ‘engine’.

Adrian Kwak, Yu Rong, Russell Kirk, and Jasmine Yuen built the Mouse controlled through arm motions. The front wheel of the vehicle is used as a pivot point with each of the rear wheels being individually powered. The prototype’s steering is controlled by the rotation of each wheel allowing a narrow turning radius and deriving motion from the references of a traditional wheelchair and railroad pump cars.