Conceptual Design of an Intra-City Microcar for 2030 *Tijo George, V. R. Kiran, S. Subbaramu Faculty of Engineering and Technology, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560 054 *Contact Author e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract Increase in population is observed in developed countries with overcrowded roads and lesser parking spaces in cities. Conventional resources are getting depleted hence the need of other resources such as electric vehicles is in more demand in terms of ecological, renewable and fast commuting solution. Hence this project is focused on the development of microcar for the year 2030. The impacts of microcars were assessed for a number of scenarios that reflects various possible features. Extensive literature surveys were conducted to identify problems associated in current urban transportation scenario. Customer requirements were identified from customer surveys at different cities. The major problems identified were found to be compactness, comfort and convenience drive etc. The design of microcar is based on several design considerations which includes customers feedback, literature survey etc.. Design of seat and doors were based on ergonomic aspect by considering anthropometric dimensions using standard manikins which range from 5th percentile female to 95th percentile male. The ingress and egress aspects in this vehicle were found to be easy for both driver and co-passenger. Hence the proposed design of the microcar is found to be well packaged to meet the present urban driving conditions. Key Words: Compact, Packaging, Ingress, Egress, Ergonomic

 Emerging trends and customer requirements on 1. INTRODUCTION existing were analyzed through a customer’s As a result of the high population density, traffic interaction congestion during the peak hour became natural. In  QFD matrix were obtained and PDS for a micro car addition, people driving to work alone are growing, there were developed are countless people who travel alone but ride in a  Ideation sketches were generated one was selected that is meant for four or more people, this not only by weighted ranking method occupy more road area but also consume a lot of other  Virtual 3d model is developed with ergonomic useful resources like . It is having a bad impact analysis using standard manikins on the city environment. Cities are the locations having  Validated by creating a scaled down physical model a great level of concentration and accumulation of economic activities. By 2030, six out of every 10 people will be city residents. [1] Standard of leaving has improved with the growth of automobiles, but also adds to the difficulties of it too. In a country around one third of its population live in city and town hence usage of vehicles will be more. [2] Electric vehicles were designed to do whatever the transportation needs were wanted in the past and can be designed and refined to do whatever is needed in the future. [3] As a mean to eliminate congestion and minimize pollution in urban area, most vehicle in the future will eventually be a .

Fig. 1 Challenges faced in urban transportation 2. PROBLEM DEFINITION Automobile use is noticeable in urban areas because of 4. DATA COLLECTION variety of advantages such as on easy mobility, comfort, convenience and quick commutes. Several factors 4.1 Product Study influence the growth of the number of vehicle in cities, The trends of microcars were studied to capture the such as economic growth. Traffic congestion creates features and user group. This type of car can significant problem in urban areas as shown in Fig. 1. accommodate one or two occupants which provides viable solution in personal transportation. 3. METHODOLOGY 4.2 Market Study Following steps were carried out In any product development process market stu