Development

Technical Development of The Conquest

The vehicle makes use of the front of a standard BMW R 1150 R motorbike fitted into a frame with two rear alloy wheels. A remotely controlled automatic raising and lowering access ramp between the two rear wheels enables a wheelchair user to roll in using the grab rails to pull as necessary. The wheelchair is then secured in a locking system. Conventional steering, a reverse gear and limited slip rear wheel differential help provide all the required functionality and control from modified handlebars. A streamlined and futuristic fibreglass body provides the vehicle with a presence and integrated overall style.

The frame is manufactured from both welded and bolted box-sectioned aluminium, combining lightness and strength. The chassis and the essential data-points on the BMW motorcycle were digitised and this information was used by a design-engineering company who converted, and merged, the data into CATIA (the automotive industry standard CAD, Computer Aided Design, software programme). During this process the body was styled and the digitised design transferred electronically to a composites specialist who used a CNC (computer numeric controlled) five-axis mill to produce master models from which the production moulds could be fabricated. Although an expensive process, the tools produced in this way would result in high quality panel manufacture. The master models were delivered to a sub-contractor in Hyde who began preparation of the models to produce master mould tools.

The entire engineering processes, and the product itself, have been drawn in CAD and the data used for finite element analysis (FEA). This procedure tested the structural integrity of the product with particular emphasis on stress and torsional stiffness.

The first working prototype was made ready for first-stage in-house trials in March 2005. Track testing at the Millbrook Proving Ground Facility and at Leyland Technical Centre's track has been very beneficial and has provided much feedback to aid the evolution and ultimate finalisation of the design and engineering of the vehicle. Final testing and design freeze took place in October 2006.

The production version of The Conquest features direct drive and a mechanical reverse gear. The vehicle has been considerably simplified and more robustly engineered in key area, compared to the early prototypes. Significant weight savings have also been made.

European Construction & Use Regulations have been adopted throughout. The Conquest has been built to the exacting standards and testing procedures set by the United Kingdom Vehicle Certification Agency, administered by the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency. This ultimately resulting in our vehicle gaining SVA approval. The company also gained ISO 9001:2000 accreditation in April 2006.