to the control of a narrow tilting vehicle.
The most important point to maintain in focus is that when the vehicle
width is reduced the control of the tilt becomes an integral component of
the control of the steer of the vehicle.
Regulations always speak of the "directional control of the vehicle".
Obviously this is the fundamental requirement.
Conventional vehicles have tilt control built in [motorcar], and so
directional control of the vehicle is concerned only with steer of the
wheels[ or manipulation by "skid steer"]. In a narrow vehicle the control of
the tilt is required before the control of the steer can be effective, so when
we speak of "all components necessary for the effective directional control
of the vehicle", we must be aware of the implications.
Clearly, if you reduce the width of a vehicle there is a point where control
of the tilt is a mandatory component. Of course the actual consideration is
the" track width" : "height of the mass" ratio.
Briefly there are a few options for failsafe control of the tilt/steer
1] Make control of both tilt and steer mechanically based. A conventional
motorcycle does this but requires additional driver skills. FTC can also do
this and requires no skill above conventional motorcar control.
2] Ensure that the tilt is controlled to the vertical position during a system
failure and rely on conventional wheel steer. The CARVER does this, and
so the Carver must conform to the stability rules for non tilt 3 wheeled
vehicles and is "wide".
3] Ensure that there is a reserve of stored energy to allow for a limited
number of tilt cycles. The CLEVER is proposed to operate like this.
4\ Ensure that there are two independent methods to provide control
during the failure of any system.
Recent alterations to the rule UN/ECE Regulation 79 allow for a wide range
of solutions, many of the traditional requirements for mechanical operation
of components required for the effective steer of the vehicle have been
relaxed . However the fundamental requirement remains the "easy ,safe
and effective directional control of the vehicle". The manufacturer must be
able to prove his case.
The regulations are further interpreted by individual countries and I will
include these interpretations.
The links to the documents are in the margins of this page and I hope they
assist. I will update and add information, so any information or comments
are welcomed E MAIL ME
CONTROL
STYSTEM
for satisfactory vehicle performance which are sometimes incorporated into the same document.
characteristics which are easy safe and
effective, would be a major contribution to the
development of efficient personal transport"
Phillip James. www. tiltingvehicle.com
