11/20/09

Cart Prototype Segment and Wheel dimensions





3 comments:

  1. This looks fine but I am wondering if you would want to get a more balanced structure by widening it a bit. Additionally it could helps with being able to carry a bit more. Also, how are you envisioning attaching the wood box to this? I don't see it in the drawing. Also, the wheel pivot/attachment isn't well illustrated. How will that happen?

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  2. We based all of these dimensions off of the hand cart dolly that we tested on a steep dirt path as well as another cart with similar proportions. we determined that (at the base) an equal width to depth ratio would be good. By widening the prototype it may compromise this ratio that has worked so well. When we loaded the test cart up with weight (approx. 60lbs) we also determined that this was the ideal maximum capacity. Any more and the cart could easily get out of control. The cart already easily surpasses what the the community members can carry on their back. When can only lightly compare it to a wheelbarrow because we do not know the loads that they carry with wheelbarrows and the cart already greatly surpasses the wheelbarrow as well in control, stability, and simply ease of use. Furthermore, if we find that in Cameroon the community members want a larger cart than great! that is the beauty of the joint, they can expand it easily.

    As for what holds the capacity of the cart, we moved towards a woven basket rather than a rigid box. Mainly because it can be easily removed and attached to the frame, can easily accommodate different loads, can be closed up (securing the goods while traveling), and can be opened accordingly to display goods when in the market display configuration.

    For the Cameroon test prototype we planned on using burlap material and a semi-rigid frame to create the basket (possibly a modified laundry basket).

    The wheel assembly has not been fully planned out. For the Cameroon test prototype we were planning on bringing our own axel and wheels. We would then take a piece of bamboo and bore out the center to accommodate the axel. The wheels would then be secured onto the axel with the appropriate bolts.

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