Monday, July 16, 2012

Bathrooms Designs In Automobiles

Transport vehicles include automotive, trains, buses, airplanes and ships among others. All these can be divided into two main categories, which are public and private transport. At times, transporting from one place to another takes longer than the normal time, or is expected to take many hours, days, weeks and even months. Therefore, some of the facilities present at homes, schools, work and other establishments are built into these automobiles and especially bathrooms since they are necessary for purposes of hygiene.

The bathroom design largely depends on the type of automobile that is at hand. Bathroom facilities in public transport are often dirtier than those in the private sector. Private transport such as limousines, jets and yachts have been to have luxury facilities completely equipped with tubs, and at times even Jacuzzis.

RV bathroom design

When shopping for RVs, most people are influenced to go for models that offer right amount of dining, sleeping, cooking, storage and a family closet space. Even though, these features are vita, it is also important not to neglect other crucial segments of the RV that can contribute to your overall comfortable experience. For instance, the bathroom is the most under-rated area of the RV. Persons purchasing RVs for the first time ignore new bathroom ideas that are comfortable and stylish, only to realize they spend more time in that room than they actually thought.

The size, layout, location and features of this room should be among the most important considerations when purchasing an RV. Many new RVs have been traded in to dealers, because the owners found the toilet to be inadequate. The most criticized feature of an RV's toilet is it inconvenient location, the poor design of the shower stalls and the lack of storage for the toiletries and other things. In most of the RVs, the bathroom and shower areas have poor design and construction. One popular design is combining the shower and the tub, which requires the user to climb through a small opening while balancing on one foot.

What to look for

It is vital to consider the bathroom features when purchasing an automobile that has this facility. A great new design can add to the overall style and luxury of the automobile. On the other hand, a poor design can cause you a lot of misery. The first thing to consider is whether the place is roomy enough to hold even heavy person comfortably. The next thing to look out is the storage, which should be adequate to host all the family's toiletries. Check if it has a sizeable mirror, towel racks and heating ducts. It should also have a linen and towels closet located near the bathroom if not inside. The room should also be waterproof and strong built.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Rapid Prototyping for the Automotive Industry

Since its introduction Rapid Prototyping has become an important tool in the Automotive design process, allowing designers and engineers to identify production pitfalls, and gauge consumer reaction early in the product development cycle. A physical model of automotive parts can be produced within days providing engineers with the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of a design, as they pass it around, twisting and viewing the prototype model.

Recent developments in the range of materials available have led to the introduction of Rapid Prototyping technology into the production process, particularly in the field of Formula1 design where designs modification is required between races to make sure optimal performance.

Since 2004 Aston Martin Racing, a joint venture between Aston Martin and Prodrive, has been designing and building successful race production based sports cars. Lead times have proven crucial with a development schedule of just 6 months, making the use of Rapid Prototyping a "no brainer" got the teams Technical Director George Howard-Chappell as engine parts and driver controls could be printed in a matter of days. Early chassis mock ups could also be created to ensure maximum efficiency and that all designs met the 2011 Le Mans regulations.

Using SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) the University of Ulster Formula Student team successfully designed and produced air inlay manifolds capable of withstanding demanding testing, and in race conditions (with the engine reaching up to 13,000 rev/min during the testing process).

Automotive manufacturers Chrysler along with Fords luxury marque Mercury have also turned to Rapid Prototyping as a production tool, with both firms using Vacuum Casting and Reaction Injection Moulding for the low volume production of lighting assemblies.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

A History of Excalibur Cars

The Excalibur car is a beautiful example of a retro classic vehicle featuring an inspired design based on the 1920's Mercedes Benz SS with a little modern engineering and American flair. The result is a little ostentatious and an unlikely weekday runabout however the vehicle has found itself a niche within the outer limits of luxury limousines. The car has gained a cult following world wide as a wedding car in white or the perfect vessel for anyone who wants to make a splash!

Automobile designer, Brook Steven's was fascinated by the classic era of automotive design. This passion was what fueled his Gatsby-esque creations and eventually lead the design of the what would later become the Excalibur as a concept car for Studebaker in 1963. The concept car was exhibited at several car shows in the US and turned a lot of heads. The fuss about this unique car soon turned into orders from wealthy patrons around the world and so the Excalibur was born. The Excalibur was factory built and underwent several major revisions in its early years which greatly improved performance and reliability especially with regards to the chassis that was required for such a long automobile - eventually acquired from General Motors. Each year the Excalibur factory only made about sixty to eighty vehicles which has added to their rarity and collectibility today. The cars most commonly ordered and produced were the 2-door Roadster however Excalibur also made a 4-door saloon the 'Phaeton' which has become a very successful luxury car, used in films such as 101 Dalmatians and as the flagship of the limo fleet for Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

After a run of only 3200 cars the company finally ceased production in 1990, having finally achieved perfection in the Series V Excalibur, the most luxurious yet. The company still runs in a limited capacity supplying parts, manuals and information to the contemporary owners of Excalibur cars.

The good news is that the current owner of the Excalibur Cars factory has not ruled out the possibility of a new line of cars. In fact as recently as 2011 there has been talk of a modernised Excalibur of similar design. These plans are subject to financial backing and for now the company is devoted to creating parts to keep the existing Excalibur's on the road, even going as far as to plan renovation kits to replace what could be considered the dated and worn interior of some of the older models still in circulation.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

An Environmentally Friendly Concept Car

The BMW i18 concept car is designed for optimum performance and a look that won't soon be forgotten. The sporty exterior is complemented by a powerful engine that provides longer driving range and better mileage. With this vehicle, BMW has truly brought the future to today with forward-thinking and a fresh perspective on engineering. It combines convenience, comfort, and power with a more environmentally-friendly system that is so much in demand.

A plug-in hybrid combines the enhanced electric drive system armed with a high-performing three-cylinder combustion engine that produces 164 kW and 221 lb-ft of torque at the rear. The electric motor uses is a full-capability unit which alone can provide enough power for driving the whole car. The combination of these engines delivers top performance which is preferred in sports car, but with the fuel consumption of a small car; increasing fuel efficiency every single time.

The BMW i8 is not merely a sports car. With its four-seat capacity and high fuel efficiency, it is very practical to use in a daily basis. In a glance, the car creates an impression of power with its dynamic proportions. It has a surging forward appearance that makes it look always ready to go even when the wheels have not turned yet. It puts another contemporary sports car impression in its upward- swiveling doors fixed to the A- pillars. With its style, the principle of aerodynamics is harnessed, allowing the surrounding air to flow through and around the car.

The LifeDrive Concept of the i8 makes it lighter, as stronger and lightweight materials are used for most of its parts. CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic) is especially suited to automotive design due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, good rigidity, rustproof quality and high tolerance to potential damage. LifeDrive refers to "two horizontally separated, independent modules" of the car, the "drive module" and the passenger "life module". The whole design concept makes the car light, safe, and easy to maneuver in varying conditions.

This innovative design combines a unique structure with high-performance materials for a forward-looking automobile that maximizes safety and efficiency. Concentrating on both driveability and fuel conservation, the BMW i8 concept is ideal for all types of driving. Whether you're navigating busy city streets or cruising along open stretches of highway, you'll be sure to enjoy the ride. Inside, the same spacious and convenient atmosphere is maintained. Neither safety nor comfort is compromised.