Last week, Western Washington University business students presented their finding of a market research project.  Their findings were the trike has numerous potential target audiences.  For example, physical therapy office as a leaning stationary device, as a device for mobility assistance for physically handicapped personnel  and as a recreational vehicle.  They felt the first two areas held the greatest potential for marketability success.  Dave Weidkamp also displayed the trike at the Washington State ITEA conference in Wenatchee.  We talked to a number of composite and design engineers and were able to increase our networking as well as some more weight reduction ideas.

• We reduced the weight of the trike by more than 24 pounds.
• New light weight A-Arm assembly featuring ¾ Chromalloy alloy A-Arms.
• Smaller lighter weight Hydraulic cylinders.
• We are using a new kingpin system which eliminated the fixed axle and used a flat kingpin with BMX wheels with 14 mm axles  This design allows us to use off the shelf materials thus reducing the cost and a gives us a weight savings as well. The down side is the loss of the ability to use disk brakes.
• Increased lean capabilities with new kingpin modified nut assembly.
• New improved steering system. We changed the steering design from an under seat steer system to an over seat steering system. This will allow easier access for riders to enter and exit the trike.
• We eliminated the freewheeling rear wheel with a coaster style rear wheel with reverse braking.
• This will make it easier for the rider to control and brake the trike. We felt the hydraulic bakes and the gear shifting on the handle bars may be confusing if she were involved in a situation where she needed to react quickly. By simplifying the system we felt it will be safer.
• An improved seat mounting system which allows for a more secure seat attachment mount.
• An improved chain guide system.

I.    
The trike was featured at the Washington State Association of Career and Technical Education conference in October 2012.  This was a very exciting moment for our team because we are proud to represent the Cascade.

II.
For a updated recap of our InvenTeam's recumbent trike project, we will be presenting at Bellingham AutoCAD Users Group presentation February 2013.  This will be on this Wednesday!