MARCH ISSN: 2321-8134

IJFEAT
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
AND TECHNOLOGY
DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF PNEUMATIC
TRICYCLE
Rakesh P. Shende1, Surbhi A. Tode2, Dr. R. U. Sambhe3

1
F.Y.B.E. Student, Mechanical Engineering Department, J.D.I.E.T. Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India,
rakeshshende1504@gmail.com
2
F.Y.B.E. Student, Mechanical Engineering Department, J.D.I.E.T. Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India,
surbhi22t@gmail.com
3
Associated Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, J.D.I.E.T. Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India,
rajesh_sambhe@yahoo.com

Abstract
This project is design, fabrication and development of a DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF
PNEUMATIC TRICYCLE It is rear wheel drive. The conceptual design of this model taken from manually
operated tricycle. The complete body looks like a Tricycle in which manual operation is replaced by automatic
operation.
This product is a pneumatic vehicle, useful for handicapped people, equipped with pneumatic ratchet,
pressure regulator, DC air compressor, air tank, chain sprocket transmission drive. The power transmission
takes place from ratchet to rear wheel through chain drive. Only one person allowed on the Tricycle at any
time. Modification by attach support is to make structure more strong at critical point. The materials, mild steel
is choose as a main structure fastening by joint. Components of model attach by bolt and nut. Part by part
create then be fabricate together. At the end of the project, the model tested by several people and their
comment then being recorded and performed some tests.

Keywords: pneumatic ratchet, pressure regulator.

INTRODUCTION is air motor which utilize freely available air as the

The term Pneumatic is derived from
Greek word Pneum which means air. The
pneumatic system resembles the hydraulic system
in structure but the applications are limited due to
hydraulics, it is a clean and neat system. A Tricycle
is a subclass of cycles and are very popular as
urban and rural means of transportation for
handicapped people .A Tricycle is often
abbreviated to Trike is a three wheeled vehicle
A Tricycle includes a main frame, a tread
board, wheels, ratchet, pressure- regulator, air tank
, shaft with chain sprocket mechanism. This
tricycle is powered with pneumatic (motor) ratchet
. makes it quite simple, once a person gets the feel
1.1 IDEA DEVELOPMENT
A tricycle is an air-operated one-person
capacity vehicle that is specially designed for low
mobility. It is generally used by those who have
difficulty walking or moving frequently from one
place to another (Handicapped people). Tricycles
are available in variety of designs, those intended
for outdoor use. A tricycle is different from a
manually operated wheel chair as source of supply
working medium that is to transmit power from the
source to destination.
1.2 CONCEPT DESIGN
A tricycle have 2 wheels powered by a 1.3 hp
pneumatic Ratchet which is fixed at bottom of the
main frame . A tricycle is rear wheel drive get the
power from ratchet by sprocket and chain drive.
This tricycle provides all the controls for driving to
the driver.
Some people are a little worry about
purchasing a automated tricycle as compared to
manually operated tricycle because it will be
difficult to operate. In fact, the control console
for it. Power scooters are also equipped with disc
brake system, so stopping is simple, safe and
comfortable. There is no automatic tricycle
available in market for handicapped people ,which
can reduce their manual effort ,this core idea makes
the project unique. The problem is, most of
that tricycle is not flexible .

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1.3 TYPE OF TRICYCLE
There are two categories in which tricycle
is divided.
i. Human powered tricycle
ii. Motorized tricycle
I. Upright Tricycle
Upright resembles a two-wheeled bicycle,
traditionally diamond frame, or open frame ,but
with either two widely spaced wheels at the back or
two wheels at the front.
II. Recumbent delta
Recumbent delta is similar to an upright
,with two wheels at the back and one at the front
,but has recumbent layout in which one rider is
seated in a chair like seat.
III. Recumbent tadpole
Recumbent tadpole or reverse trike is a
recumbent design with two steered wheels at the
front and one driven wheel at the back through one
model has front wheels driven while the rear wheel
steers.
IV. Other designs
Another design is an in line three wheeled
vehicle with two steered wheel one at the front and
other in middle or at the rear.
ii). Motorized tricycle
A motorized tricycles wheels may be
arraenged in either configuration : Delta or
Tadpole.
I. Motorized freight trikes
Motorised trikes are used as small freight
truck and commercial vehicals.
II. Motorized scooter trike.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 HISTORY
A three wheeled tricycle was built in 1665 by a
disabled German man, Stephan Farffler who
wanted to maintain his mobility. In 1789 two
French inventors developed a three wheeled vehicle
powered by pedals.
In 1818, British inventor Denis Johnson
patented his approach to designing tricycles. In
1876, James Starley developed the Coventry Lever
Tricycle, which used two small wheels on the right
side and a large drive wheel on the left side; power
was supplied by hand levers.
In 1877, Starley developed a new vehicle
he called the Coventry Rotary, which was "one of
the first rotary chain drive tricycles." Starley's
inventions started a tricycling craze in Britain; by
1879, there were " twenty types of tricycles and
http://www.ijfeat.org (C) International Journal For Engineering Applications and Technology [202-209]
ISSN: 2321-8134
multi-wheel cycles ... produced in Coventry,
England, and by 1884, there were over 120
different models produced by 20 manufacturers."
The first front steering tricycle was
manufactured by The Leicester Safety Tricycle
Company of Leicester, England in 1881 which was
brought to the market in 1882 costing 18. They
also developed a folding tricycle at the same time.
Tricycles were used by riders who did not
feel comfortable on the high wheelers, such as
women who wore long, flowing dresses. In the UK,
upright tricycles are sometimes referred to as
"barrows". Many trike enthusiasts ("trikies") in the
UK belong to the Tricycle Association, formed in
1929. They participate in day rides, tours and time
trials. Massed start racing of upright tricycles is
limited to one or two criteriums such as in Bungay,
Suffolk each year.
2.2 OBJECTIVES
I. Fabrication model development of single
rider automatically operated tricycle.
II. By some modification and improvement
inside the engine increase the power and
efficiency of motor.
2.3 METHODOLOGY
I. Literature study
Make review on other model and focusing
on how to make it simple
and relevance to the project title.
II. Conceptual design
Sketching several type of design based on
concept that being choose.
State the dimension for all part.
III. Materials Selection
Selected the true material based on model
design and criteria.
Light, easy to joining and easy to
manufacture.
Assemble all the part to the design.
IV. Fabrication model refinement.
Fabricate the tricycle according to the
main frame and design.
Refinement at several part of joining and
sharp edge.
V. Performance testing.
Speed.
Power developed.
VI. Documentation
Preparing a report for the project.
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2.4 PROJECT FLOW CHART

Figure 2.2 pneumatic ratchet

2.5.2. PRESSURE REGULATOR

Fig 2.1 Project Flow chart
2.5 PART SPECIFICATION
2.5.1. PNEUMATIC RATCHET
A pneumatic ratchet delivers maximum
output of 1.3 hp @ 250+ 50 rpm
Maximum torque 61 Nm at 300 rpm .It is a
pneumatic tool used to tight and loose the nuts .It is
very simple in operation one operating lever is used
to operate the ratchet.
It is a device which regulate the air pressure as per
requirement.
Air filters are designed to remove airborne solid
and liquid contaminants. Filters can be different
elements, including coalescing models which are
capable of removing oil aerosols and particles
down to 0.3 micron.Air line regulators provide
controlled consistent air pressure as required for
specific pneumatic equipment connected to the air
system. Lubricator help ensure that pneumatic
devices receive the required lubrication to maintain
peak performance, reduce wear, and prolong
service life.
Maximum pressure 10 bar (150 psi)
Operating pressure 6.3 bar (90 psi)
Maximum temp. 60

Table 2.1- Technical

specification of ratchet

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

MAXIMUM PRESSURE 6.3 bar (90

psi)
MAXIMUM TORQUE 61 Nm
MAXIMUM SPEED 300 rpm
DRIVE SIZE
INLET HOSE 10 mm
AIR CONSUMPTION 115 LPM
NET WEIGHT 1.22 kg

Figure 2.3-Pressure regulator

2.5.3. CHASSIS
Strength: The tricycle frame should be strong
enough to support the rider.

Robustness: The tricycle should be robust,

appropriate for the conditions it will be used in.

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 MARCH ISSN: 2321-8134

Easily Built and Repaired: It should be easy to
make and repair, and the shops should be able to
produce it with the tools they already have.
Manufacturable: The tricycle frame should be
made from parts that are cheap and readily
available.
It is a reservoir used to store the
compressed air which is compressed by
the compressor.
Maximum pressure 10 bar(150 psi)
Material Galvanised sheet metal
Thickness of plate 5 mm

Adjustable: The tricycle should be able to

accommodate people of different ages, disabilities,
and sizes. It should be easy to get in and out of.

Material - Galvanized steel pipe of 14 gauge.

Ground clearance - 12 inches

Figure 2.6 Air Tank

2.5.7. BRAKE TYPE -

A disc brake is a wheel brake which slows rotation
of wheel by friction caused by pushing brake pads
against brake disc with set of callipers.
The brake disc is usually made of cast iron but in
Figure 2.4-Chassis some cases it may be made of composites such as
2.5.4. TYRES reinforced carbon-carbon or ceramic matrix
composites.
Table 2.2 Tyre specification
Sr. Type No. Tyre Tyre Max.
no. of of size pressure speed
tyre wheel (inches) (psi) rating
(mph)
Tyre
28 x 1
1. & 3 7 60

tube

2.5.5. AIR COMRESSOR

It is 12 V DC air compressors.
It is rotary type compressor.
Maximum pressure 300 psi
Figure 2.7 Disk Brake

2.5.8. TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

It is used to transmit power from ratchet to
rear wheel.
It consists of two sprockets having same
gear ratio.
One sprocket is fixed on ratchet socket
and another fixed on the rear wheel hub.
TYPE : Chain drive

Figure 2.5 Air compressor

2.5.6. AIR TANK

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 MARCH ISSN: 2321-8134

Figure 2.10 Pneumatic Tube

Figure 2.8 chain drive 2.5.11 CLAMPS

It is device used to hold an object in a
2.5.9 PEDISTAL BEARING fixed position.
It is supporting and rotating device which
support and rotate the rear axle. TYPE : C Clamp
It is consist of bearing, sleeve, which is
enclosed in casing made up of cast iron. MATERIAL : Galvanised sheet
TYPE OF BEARING : metal
SIZE OF BEARING : 71 cm.

Figure 2.10 Clamp

Figure 2.9. Pedestal Bearing
2.5.10. PNEUMATIC TUBE (HOSSES) 2.6 DESIGN CALCULATION

The main function of pneumatic tube is to Power Required

carry compressed air from air storage tank Maximum pressure 6.3 bar
through the pressure regulating valve to Atmospheric pressure 1.013 bar
the ratchet. Operating pressure 5.3 bar
Discharge 0.00191 m3/sec
MATERIAL : Nylon Maximum power = 2NT/60
= 2 x 300 x 61/60
=1916.37 watt
Required Power = Q x p
= 0.00191 x 5.3x10^5
= 1012.3 watt
Diameter of shaft
Power = 1916.37 Watt
Maximum Torque = 61 N.m.
= 6110^3 N.mm

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 MARCH
Torque transmitted by shaft
T = /16 d 3
61 10^3 = /16 45 d 3
d 3= 6110^3 16 / 45
d3 = 6903.79 mm
d = 19.04
Standard diameter d = 25 mm
Speed of Tricycle
Speed of ratchet (N) = 300 rpm
Radius of wheel (r) = 0.3556 m
Gear ratio (G) = 1
V = 2Nr60 / 1000 G
= 23000.355660 / 10001 valve pneumatic connector attached and pneumatic
= 40.21 kmph
2.7 ASSESMBLY & FABRICATION
2.7.1 FOUNDATION OF PNUEMATIC
RATCHET (MOTOR)
A pneumatic ratchet is mounted at the
bottom side of chassis.
The (M.S.) mild steel angle of size (40mm*5 mm)
is used to give support of ratchet.
The angle is welded to the chassis and created hole
to fixed clamp. A mild steel is welded to chassis for
fixed to rear end of the ratchet with the help of
clamp. A Ratchet is clamped tightly on the angle
and mild steel plate with the help of G.I and M.S
clamp and nut and bolts.
The Ratchet socket which is welded on
the freewheel and small sprocket attached to
pneumatic ratchet. Another freewheel or small
sprocket mounted on shaft and power is transmitted
with help of chain drive.
2.7.2 FOUNDATION OF SHAFT
A shaft of accurate size of pedestal bearing
,wheel hub size is mounted on rear wheel position.
The mild steel plate of size 40mm*6mm is welded
at bottom chassis. On mild steel plate hole was
produce for fixing the pedestal bearing on the plate.
Two pedestal bearing insert on the shaft of fixed
position and mounted on plate and fixed with help
of nut and bolts .
2.7.3 FOUNDATION OF AIR TANK
A air tank is mounted at the rear end of the
tricycle .The supportive structure
or frame developed for mounting of air tank. A
angle of size (25mm*15mm) is used to develop the
structure. A rectangle frame on which air tank is
placed welded on the bottom chassis.
2.7.4 ALIGNMENT OF BOTH SPROCKET
Two sprocket or freewheel are used for
transmitting the power from pneumatic ratchet to
the shaft. One sprocket or freewheel are welded to
ratchet socket and fixed to pneumatic ratchet.
http://www.ijfeat.org (C) International Journal For Engineering Applications and Technology [202-209]
ISSN: 2321-8134
Another sprocket is mounted on shaft with the help
of hub and tightened with help of nut and bolts,
The sprocket is aligned properly with help of
alignment device and chain is mounted over two
sprockets.
2.7.5 FABRICATION OR DEVELOPMENT OF
PNEUMATIC CIRCUIT
A tank is mounted at the rear end of tricycle
and fixed with heavy duty nylon belt. The tank has
two valve inlet valve and outlet valve. At outlet
valve of the tank a needle valve is fitted through
which compressed air is supplied. On the needle
tube is fitted on connector. At the end of pneumatic
tube pressure regulator is attached this regulates
pressure and supply the pressure. The regulator
having two end on the inlet of regulator outlet of
tank is connected and outlet of regulator attached to
the pneumatic ratchet inlet. In this way pneumatic
circuit is completed. The pneumatic tube was fitted
on tricycle body with help of clamps.
2.7.6 PROCESSES ADOPTED FOR
FABRICATION
Arc welding
Gas welding
Turning
Facing
Drilling
3. CONSTRUCTION AND WORKING
Construction
It consists of chassis, pneumatic
ratchet which is fixed on the bottom of chassis with
help of c clamp. 12V DC air compressor used to
compressor to the atmospheric air which is
operated on 12 V batteries. The air storage tank is
mounted at the frame of chassis. The shaft or axle
are fixed on the chassis with the help of pedestal,
which consist of bearing enclosed in the casing.
The chain drive are used to transmit the power
from ratchet to rear axle.
Working
In this pneumatic cycle initially the
person will start the cycle with the slight push and
compression lever in pressed position and the
ratchet will start. As the ratchet starts the
compression lever is pressed. It works on the
energy conversion principle the air is compressed
and stroke in the tank. It contains potential energy
and this potential energy of air is converted into
kinetic energy and power is developed.
Once the power is to be developed the sprocket will
start rotating by using chain drive which transmits
the power from sprocket to rear axle. Axle rotates
the rear wheel and tricycle start running. By using
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accelerator we increase and decrease the speed of
tricycle.
4. PROBLEM FACED WHILE DESIGN AND
FABRICATION
1) AXLE
At the time of first design of axle, when
we apply the brakes the axle get unwound
by braking force. Then at the next design,
there was a minute ply between the split
axle due to which the thread get weared.
2) BRAKE
In the initial stage, we are looking for the
disc braking system. But it is very costly
and not easily available in the market, so
we think about its alternative and use
band braking system.
3) VIBRATION
Vibration occurs in the tricycle due to the
transmitting the power from ratchet to rear axle.
6. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
6.1 ADVANTAGES
1) It is flexible and easy to drive and control
due to its simple construction as that of a
tricycle and light weight.
2) It is automatic as well as manual in
operation. In case if the automatic
operation fails or discontinues in case of
inadequate air supply, the operation can be
switched to manual mode .
3) It has compact structure and aesthetic
shape.
4) It is intended for indoor and outdoor use.
5) It has powerful device which can carry
load up to 175 kg.
6) It is used for long distance as compare to
manual operated tricycle generally used by
handicapped people.
6.2 DISADVANTAGE
1) It cannot be used for long distance.
2) It cannot be used effectively in uneven
road conditions due to the possibility of
disturbances in the alignments.
3) Lack of braking system.
4) Vibrations in the system can cause
disturbances in the running mechsnism.
7. DRIVING GUIDANCE
1. Before starting, please check the following
items:
Check the pressure in the air tank, fill up
the tank if it is not enough.
Check the pressure regulator, rear brake to
make available reliable.
Check the transmission system.
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ISSN: 2321-8134
Check whole body to make sure that all
the parts are fixed tightly .
. Fill up the tank with air at pressure up to
6.5 bar.
2. After checking, the pneumatic circuit starts.
Open the needle valve for starting the air
flow.
Open FRL or pressure regulator and fixed
it to required pressure.
Pull the clutch cable for compress the
ratchet lever.
When compressed lever ratchet starts
rotating and transmitting the power.
3. Driving and parking;
When the tricycle start running apply
pressure as per requirement.
When the clutch cable was released the
ratchet should stop working.
Close the needle valve and shut down the
air compressor.
8. MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
1. Start the air compressor fill the air and
drive it.
2. Maintain the lubricant in FRL or pressure
regulator.
3. If the pneumatic ratchet has abnormal
noise, get it check by professional service
provider.
4. Front and rear brake adjustment
Adjust rear brake using adjusting
screw. When fasten hold the
brake bar, the wheel should not
be turned around. The brake
rubber should be back to its
position at once when unfold the
brake bar.
If the surface of the rubber is
worn hardly, change it.
5. Keep the vehicle clean, and to avoid,
higher temperature and corrosive air
places.
9. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION
When tricycle is not in use at that time,
tricycle should be kept away from rain
water, combustible and chemical corrosive
products.
When there is no use of tricycle for long
time then drain the air tank.
When there is no use of tricycle for long
time then it should be lubricated.
10. TROUBLESHOOTING
1) The pneumatic ratchet does not start
Check the air tank.
Check the battery connections.
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Make sure needle valve is in open 12.
position.
1)
2) Pneumatic ratchet starts but fail to run at
high speed. 2)
Check if the lever is fully compressed.
Adjust FRL or pressure regulator. 3)
Adjust pressure as per requirement. 4)
The water filter may need cleaning.
5)
3) Pneumatic ratchet runs but has no power or
acceleration.
Check the lever in compressed position. REFERENCES
The water filter may need cleaning.
Adjust pressure regulating valve.
4) Pneumatic ratchet fails to run smoothly.
Check the lever in fully in compressed
position.
Adjust pressure regulating valve. 6) Machine Design-by Khurmi & Gupta.
11. CONCLUSION
Due to the many problems of congestion,
pollution and urban mobility, new modes of
transportation, such as Pneumatic tricycle
personal transportation devices, increasingly seem
to be an alternative to widespread automobile use.
Pneumatic tricycle is stable, operated
quietly and smoothly, and gave users the feeling of
being in control of the vehicle. The Ergonomic
evaluation also demonstrated that Pneumatic
tricycle is easy to use in normal use situations,
including situations involving obstacles, for a broad
cross section of users. The devices also compare
favourably with other types of cycles, particularly
in terms of stability, where they seem superior to
other vehicles such as bicycles and mopeds.
However, Pneumatic tricycle is designed for a
broader segment of the population and is meant to
meet a wider variety of mobility requirements in
urban communities. The performance studies
carried out in a closed environment also
demonstrated that Pneumatic tricycle is easy to use
in normal use situations as well as to get around
obstacles. The survey results clearly show that a
large majority of test participants found all cycles
movements easy to perform. The evaluation results
suggest that Pneumatic tricycle use is appropriate
in closed environments, such as major industrial
complexes, hospitals, shopping centres and
airports. Evaluations under actual operating
conditions be continued to help develop a new
regulatory framework and to define new technical
characteristics and conditions under which
Pneumatic tricycle may be used. The reliability and
safety of this device when used in urban
communities; Social acceptance of power scooters
help to reduce traffic problem.
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ISSN: 2321-8134
FUTURE SCOPE
In future we can use flexible seating
arrangement.
In this pneumatic tricycle we can use high
power motor.
We can use suspension system.
This tricycle is very flexible and can be
modified according to once interest.
In future this tricycle can used for normal
people.
1) www.pnuematica.be
2) www.globalspec.pneumatic.com
3) www.wikipedia.com
4) Hydraulic and Pneumatic-by Illiyas Khan,
Samir Sheikh
5) Air pneumatic system-by S.R. Majumdar.
7) Nathan Philip Wang, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology : Design and
prototyping of Retrofittable motorized
module for hand powered tricycles for
developing countries. In May 9, 2008.
8) Duane Bookshar, Chief Engineer, Stanley
Assembly Technology : Energy
consumption of Pneumatic and DC
electric assembly tools.
9) A project report on Pneumatic bicycle
Department of Mechanical Engineering
SHRI SAI POLYTECHNIC ,Chandrapur
,2008-2009.
10) David Mozer : Chronology of the Growth
of Bicycling and the Development of
Bicycle
11) Introduction to Pneumatics and Pneumatic
Circuit Problems for FPEF Trainer Fluid
Power Education Foundation 3333 N.
Mayfair Road Suite 101 Milwaukee, WI
53222 http://www.fpef.org John R. Groot
President FPEF John Nagohosian FPEF
Educational Coordinator John
Prisciandaro Birmingham Covington
School Birmingham, Michigan Dan
Butchko Derby Middle School
Birmingham.