The portfolio of Chengyuan Wei.
Persuasive Electric Vehicle
Prof. Kent Larson
Ryan Chin
William Lark
Michael Chia-Liang Lin
Nicholas Pennycooke
Marcus Martinez
Chengyuan Wei
Changing Places Group,MIT Media Lab
The PEV is a new electric vehicle that simultaneously addresses the problem of congestion, pollution, obesity and aging, by taking advantage of existing bicycle lanes.
The PEV is a human-assist hybrid vehicle that incorporates pedal power generation, electric motors for drive, and
batteries for energy storage. Users can pedal to
generate electrical power that is stored in the battery,
which in turn provides power to the electric motors in
the wheels. Depending on your level of desired fitness
you can generate as much or little energy as necessary.
For example, an elderly woman can gently pedal but
still get meaningful exercise when travelling, while a
young athlete could generate enough energy to offset
the energy spent from the battery.
The PEV will have
3 wheels for stability and a soft-cover made out of the
latest smart fabrics for protection against the elements.
It will also have the option for cooling and heating in
extreme climates. These features along with the
electric motor will lower the demographic barrier
(typically young men in biker shorts) for use of this
vehicle to the elderly, men in business suits, and
women in skirts.
The PEV will be designed under the
European Union’s rules for e-bikes including electric
motor size (250watts), total weight (60Kgs), top speed
(20KPH), etc.
Since the PEV is still a concept, Korean
manufacturers will have the opportunity to fund this
Cloud Mobility-on-Demand, Changing Places Group, MIT Media Lab 2011
View the PDF with detailed process_Click here
The video introduction of PEV project and the initial design scheme.
The back seat concept and Sketchs
The concept illustrated by sketching is to pull down the back part of the main seat to change its function from a basket into an extra seat, meanwhile the shield which has collapsible structure will be relatively stretched to cover the expanded area.
Models
Two versions of 1 to 6 model were made by using laser cut machine. These preliminary prototypes were used to explore factors of the windshield, joint connections between different shields, and the conceptual structure of steering system, etc.
3D Model Building
The second version 3d model improves the first version in term of simplifying the structure and adding more details such as handle, battery and pedal. General dimension of the vehicle basing on a preliminary drawing of Marcus Martinez who is also the desiger of the former scheme.
Rendering
A simulation of materials application and the final effect of the vehicle.
3D model of the third version
William Lark, a PhD candidate of Changing Places group, helped to add the steering system and chain system into 3D model and made a significant change to the frame which makes the whole structure more reasonable and stable.
Based on Will's editing the third version of 3D model and rendering pictures have been finished.
Modifications and Rendering pictures
Features have been modified:
‐ Adjusting structure for the main seat.
‐Redesign the back seat for both Baby and groceries (collapsible structure).
‐Reinforce the spokes of front wheels.
‐Simplify the back part of the shell.
