Taxi DevelopmentProject Management
This was a ‘turn-key’ project involving appointing and managing CAD, chassis and manufacturing suppliers. Vectayn also undertook liaison with, and promotion to, potential customers of the vehicle.
Of particular importance in the success of the concept was to meet the demanding requirements of TFL (Transport for London). This required a number of modifications and features to be engineered into the vehicle.
Taxi DevelopmentProject Management
This was a ‘turn-key’ project involving appointing and managing CAD, chassis and manufacturing suppliers. Vectayn also undertook liaison with, and promotion to, potential customers of the vehicle.
Of particular importance in the success of the concept was to meet the demanding requirements of TFL (Transport for London). This required a number of modifications and features to be engineered into the vehicle.
Front Suspension
Analysis and design support to revised front suspension to achieve the TFL turning circle. A revo knuckle was created to increase steering movement and reduce the turning circle. The lower control arm mass was reduced by a switch from cast / forging to a multi-piece sheet fabrication.
Front Suspension
Analysis and design support to revised front suspension to achieve the TFL turning circle. A revo knuckle was created to increase steering movement and reduce the turning circle. The lower control arm mass was reduced by a switch from cast / forging to a multi-piece sheet fabrication.
The Moon Roof
To allow for increased head clearance within the vehicle and provide a distinctive feature for the Taxi.
Coloured cross members removed to increase internal roof height (head clearance).
Hole cut in roof.
Glass glued directly to roof.
CAE analysis highlights high stress in glass corners under torsional loading
Moon roof frame reduces predicted Principle glass stress under torsion by 75%.
Frame designed and developed to stiffen vehicle to reduce torsion and bending stress in roof glass. Optimised for weight.
CAE analysis highlights high stress in glass corners under torsional loading
Moon roof frame reduces predicted Principle glass stress under torsion by 75%.
Frame designed and developed to stiffen vehicle to reduce torsion and bending stress in roof glass. Optimised for weight.
The demonstrator bulkhead was successfully tested against seat load and seat belt anchorage load cases, but was relatively heavy.
A new bulkhead was developed as a folded steel structure with a beam incorporated to react seat belt loads.
The new bulkhead exhibited lower stresses under seat loading and was 37% stronger under seat belt anchorage loads whilst being 5.5kg lighter than the demonstrator.
The demonstrator bulkhead was successfully tested against seat load and seat belt anchorage load cases, but was relatively heavy.
A new bulkhead was developed as a folded steel structure with a beam incorporated to react seat belt loads.
The new bulkhead exhibited lower stresses under seat loading and was 37% stronger under seat belt anchorage loads whilst being 5.5kg lighter than the demonstrator.
Additional Modifications
Additional Bulkhead
To isolate the driver for protection (stab proof), to provide a backbone for two rearward facing seats and to provide secure wheelchair anchorage.
Enlarged Side Door Aperture
To provide wheelchair access through the LHS sliding door.
The Running Board
To provide easier able access up and into vehicle.
Trim
NVH assessment of trim parts.
Demonstrator vehicle complete with revised front suspension to meet turning circle requirements, moon roof installation to meet internal height requirements, body side and door modifications to meet door aperture requirements, front divider and revised rear seats and fully fitted out as a Taxi was completed within 6 months.
Demonstrator vehicle complete with revised front suspension to meet turning circle requirements, moon roof installation to meet internal height requirements, body side and door modifications to meet door aperture requirements, front divider and revised rear seats and fully fitted out as a Taxi was completed within 6 months.