Development

Optimizing the dimensions of the vehicle is among the main development priorities, but without a self-serving pursuit of compactness and size reduction; at the same time, a set of functions must be added in specific zones, reasonably and without depriving the development of meaning, because of the overall dimensions. Another main priority is achieving the multifunctionality of the respective vehicle. Successful interchangeability, which must combine transport, loading and transfer, by adding modules, in the form of assembled structures, according to their purpose, to be added to the main structure of the vehicle. All this will lead to its different variations and purposes: for daily transportation; for professional needs – repair activities, transportation of materials, tools and equipment, as well as for waste disposal; for deliveries, etc. In terms of the type of drive, two options will be developed – internal combustion engine and fully battery-powered. The final choice of the drive will be made in a specific phase of product development, after going through testing configurations built from different components – for internal combustion engine and for an electric vehicle.

There is already a foundation laid with conceptual solutions for the layout of the internal functional zones of the vehicle. Conceptual options, from which the most suitable ones will be selected for more detailed design, and from there for development. Several concepts are being built for the exterior of the vehicle, from which a final option will be selected for targeted design and subsequent development. The basis of a project is used from available conceptual solutions, which were designed and conceived in parallel for this type of development – a small-sized vehicle. The reason for starting this development is rooted in an already existing one, but already discontinued as a development – <ahref=”https://solo-form.com/en/project/vehicle-for-disabled/”>Vehicle for Disabled. This is a development that served as a foundation, creating around it the conceptual base, with a clearly defined goal and direction of development. The current development will not have the vision, characteristics and limitations of a specialized vehicle for the disabled. In addition to the small-sized vehicle, there is an option to design and develop an ultra-compact vehicle, with a mostly open structure-skeleton. The goal is to build a vehicle smaller in size than the main small-sized vehicle – for the purpose of entertainment and hobby, for movement in parks, and possibly in areas outside urban zones. A product line of two vehicles that will combine compactness, benefits and satisfaction of different types of needs, including leisure.

It is necessary to take into account various functional, structural, ergonomic and production characteristics, which obliges the exterior and interior to move purposefully and reasonably in the design and development of the vehicle. For the interior, there is an available basis of conceptual options for: main seat structures; main dashboard panels; steering wheels with separate zones for handles; joysticks with control buttons; mount holder and zones with access to information. The goal is to achieve a well-thought-out and organized space in the interior and a compliant exterior that adequately suggests the purpose and functions of the vehicle. According to the peculiarities and specifics of each detail, part and component, the design structure of each individual product should logically suggest its function, and not simply rely on self-serving “styling variations”. Of course, visual characteristics are an integral part of the design, but they are not everything; they must be reasonably synchronized with the ergonomic specifics, the distinct functionality, the purpose of each product and its interaction with all zones in the vehicle – entering the vehicle, sitting in the seat, gripping and accessing the specific structure of the “steering wheel” or “steering wheel with joysticks”, as well as access to the dashboard and other control and information sectors.

The available concepts will be combined and the common functional zones, as well as variants of each product in the interior of the vehicle, will be designed. The “styling layout” will also be approached carefully and the vehicle will not be deprived of product identity, but it will be dictated by the classic rule that “form follows function”. Each product will be designed in stages, due to the complexity of building a vehicle, gradually entering into a specific detailed development, meeting a number of functional and engineering requirements. The development already has the prerequisites for more detailed development and upgrading of the concepts – going through detailed product sketches, designing 3D models and gradually making different types of mock-ups, scale models and prototypes. The making of scale models has started when laying the foundation for this project, with the making of a test scale model – specifying the structure of the vehicle.

“Small Utility Vehicle” is part of the products of Rotactio Design – a sub-brand of Solo Form.
The project is part of the direction for investing in brand and products – https://solo-form.com/en/investing/brand-and-products-rotactio-design/