A comprehensive study on the design and fabrication of tricycles in Metro Manila

Date of Publication

2002

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering

Subject Categories

Automotive Engineering

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Manufacturing Engineering and Management

Thesis Adviser

Homer S. Co

Defense Panel Chair

Nilo Bugtai

Defense Panel Member

Oscar Unas
Lord Kenneth Pinpin

Abstract/Summary

The tricycle is a popular means of transportation in Metro Manila and in most parts of the Philippines. It has been in existence for half a century and has evolved into many designs with different functions. Prompted by the lack of technical information available about these vehicles, the main objective of this thesis is to investigate the current practices in the design and fabrication of tricycles in Metro Manila. Surveys were conducted among residents of Metro Manila. Their preferred tricycle design features were ranked with more safety features emerging as critical in the design. The top four common tricycle problems involve the sidecar wheel bearing failure, rear wheel and sidecar wheel spoke failure, sidecar leaf spring misalignment and the weld failures at the joints.The weld failures at the sidecar joints have been explained through radiographic and tension tests. Radiographic inspections show that the welded specimens have incurred internal defects while the tension tests confirm that these welds are weak. Modern technologies in Reverse Engineering and Finite Element Modeling have been extensively used in the analysis of the tricyle's structural design. The occurrence of sidecar wheel bearing failure, rear wheel and sidecar wheel spoke failure and sidecar leaf spring misalignments are due to the tricycle's unbalanced configuration. The loads are concentrated on the rear portion of the tricycle where these problems are located.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TG03259

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

98 numb. leaves ; 28 cm.

Keywords

Tricycles; Vehicles; Engineering design; Production engineering; Manufacturing processes; New products

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