Semi-monocoque velomobile

Final render of velomobile semi-monocoque to be manufactured from plywood. The render does not include a few cut-outs for other components. I hope to get the final weight of this component down to less than 5 kilograms. This final design allows a 'safety capsule' around the rider a feature that I really wanted to have. Making from plywood makes an easy build and the possibility of a true 'flat pack' kitset velomobile. I am exploring the possibility of this being a Open Source Velomobile as this may lead to faster development once the basic design has been done.

©2016 James McLeod

Semi-monocoque velomobile

Final render of velomobile semi-monocoque to be manufactured from plywood. The render does not include a few cut-outs for other components. I hope to get the final weight of this component down to less than 5 kilograms. This final design allows a 'safety capsule' around the rider a feature that I really wanted to have. Making from plywood makes an easy build and the possibility of a true 'flat pack' kitset velomobile. I am exploring the possibility of this being a Open Source Velomobile as this may lead to faster development once the basic design has been done.

©2016 James McLeod

Velomobile front beam suspension design

Most commercially availible velomobiles feature Macpherson Strut independent front suspension. A popular choice for full monocoque designs.

Tadpole design three wheeelers require roll stiffness at the front because the single rear does not have anti-roll stiffness so suspensions have to be correspondingly stiff to reduce body roll.
I intend to have a very simple beam front suspension with the advantages being...

• Simplicity
• No track variance when bumps encountered (zero scrub)
• Can be made lightweight (for velomobile applications)
• Great roll stiffness

The beam axle can be mounted to the monocoque section using four elastomers which will be the spring and damper all in one. The benefit of this is that the elastomer will provide vibration isolation and reduce the "road buzz" to the occupant. This isolation reduces the fatigue on the occupant.

Go to this link to see a an arguement for a beam axle front Vs Macpherson Strut.

Semi-monocoque velomobile chassis

Still fine tuning the monocoque design.

Will prototype full size out of plywood to test size and rigidity of design. Enough computer work!