Welcome to the wiki page of Team 2 of VANT151 - Vantage One (VD1). Our team consists of 12 members across five sub-teams. In this course, we are carrying out a project to design and build a demonstrator prototype of an electric tricycle (e-cycle). This page documents our design process and the design details of our prototype.
Introduction
A remote-controlled electric tricycle offers a practical platform for applying core principles of mechanical, structural, electrical, and embedded systems design within tight physical and power constraints. Building a working scaled prototype requires the integration of a driven chassis, a steering and suspension system, an enclosure, and a wireless control system into one cohesive vehicle, all while meeting strict size and turning-radius limits.
This project is to design, build, and test a scaled electric tricycle prototype that is remotely operable, structurally sound, power-efficient, and capable of meeting the specified turning and dimensional limits, using the components and tools provided by the university, for demonstration at the Vantage One Capstone Conference on July 6, 2026.
This project allowed us to apply principles from mechanical design, structural design, electronics, and embedded coding to a single integrated system, while developing our ability to coordinate a multidisciplinary team toward a shared deadline. It is carried out over the Vantage One term, with fabrication and testing continuing through the Capstone Conference on July 6, 2026. Our detailed project schedule is available in the Gantt chart below. To divide the work, we organised our team of 12 members into five sub-teams: Coding, Electrical, Mechanical, Structural, and Documentation. Each sub-team's work is described in the following sections. For more information about our team members, please refer to the biographies provided in the last section.
Team Requirements
Functions
The primary functions of this electric cycle prototype are to:
Carry a rider and accommodate necessary personal items (e.g., books, laptop, sports equipment).
Allow the rider to remain active during the commute.
Provide usability during adverse weather conditions, including rain and snow.
Maintain the rider's thermal comfort by keeping them cool in summer and warm in winter.
Ensure rider visibility through adequate illumination for both the rider and other road users.
Provide security measures to prevent theft.
Objectives
The objective of this design is to improve commuting safety, comfort, and efficiency by:
Minimizing the likelihood and severity of disruptions, such as collisions or loss of control.
Optimizing the rider's physical exertion with adjustable settings tailored to fitness levels.
Reducing commuting time through route optimization and mitigating the impacts of poor weather.
Maximizing rider comfort and minimizing incidental time required before and after the commute.
Constraints
The constraints of the designs are:
Regulatory: The design must meet British Columbia regulations for electric cycles regarding wheel configuration, rider age, motor power, speed limits, and lighting.
Dimensions: The width must not exceed 240 mm, and the footprint must fit within a 430 × 279 mm area.
Turning: The minimum turning radius must be 600 mm or less, wall to wall.
Capacity: The design must be able to accommodate a 360 mm tall mannequin (1:5 scale of a 1.8-metre rider).
Power: Maximum allowable electrical power consumption is limited to a nominal 9.6 V DC, 2.8 A.
Performance: The prototype must be able to maintain a temperature at the rider's chest level that differs from the ambient temperature, move in a straight line, and complete a figure-8 path without toppling in both remote-controlled and pre-programmed modes.
Gantt Chart
Here is the Gantt Chart of our team to track down our progress:
Team 2 gantt chart
Coding
The Coding sub-team is responsible for the design and implementation of the vehicle's control systems, specifically focusing on the development of the remote controller and the underlying logic required for both remote-controlled and autonomous operation.
Requirements
Functions
Holds and protects all internal components and wiring.
Joystick controls movement; pushbutton sends commands such as start, stop, or mode change.
LED provides visual feedback on power and connection status.
Objectives
The Coding sub-team's objectives are to:
Maximize ergonomic comfort for one or two-handed use.
Minimize size and weight while keeping components organized.
Maximize ease of assembly and maintenance.
Constraints
The constraints for the Coding sub-team are:
Enclosure must fit all required components.
All openings and mounting points must match actual component dimensions.
Must work within Arduino Nano memory and I/O pin limits.
Transmitter must operate on a 9V battery.
Enclosure must be suitable for 3D printing and securely assemblable.
The Design
Table 1. Remote Controller Electrical Component
Component
Description
Remote Control Hardware
Arduino Nano
ATmega328P microcontroller board; 5 V operating voltage and 3.3 V output pin.
NRF24L01 Module
2.4 GHz wireless transceiver requiring a regulated 3.3 V supply.
Joystick Module
Two-axis analog joystick, 5 V DC, with X-axis, Y-axis, and integrated pushbutton.
Pushbutton
Momentary switch used as an active-LOW digital input with the internal pull-up resistor.
LED Indicator
5 V controller-status indicator connected through a current-limiting resistor.
Power Supply
Provides regulated 5 V for the Nano and peripherals and 3.3 V for the NRF24L01.
Connecting Wires
Jumper wires connecting the Nano, joystick, NRF24L01, pushbutton, and LED.
The hardware layout combines directional input, command buttons, status indication, wireless communication, and regulated power in one compact controller system.
Operating Sequence
Phase 1: System Power-On & Hardware Verification
Step 1: Nano Board Power-On
External power or a USB cable connects the Arduino Nano to the host PC, establishing a physical connection mapped to COM3 or COM6. Onboard regulators stabilize the internal power rails to 5V and 3.3V.
Step 2: Serial Link & Peripheral I/O Configuration
The ATmega328P core boots and initializes the serial communication channel over COM3 at a high-speed baud rate of 115200 bps (Serial.begin(115200);).
Configures the digital pins for the inputs using internal pull-up resistors:
Pin D2 (JOY_SW): Joystick integrated pushbutton set to INPUT_PULLUP.
Pin D3 (BUTTON): Standalone tactical pushbutton set to INPUT_PULLUP.
Step 3: NRF24L01 Module SPI Handshake
The MCU initiates the Hardware SPI bus using predefined pins: D11 (MOSI), D12 (MISO), and D13 (SCK).
Dedicates Pin D9 as CE (Chip Enable) and Pin D10 as CSN (Chip Select Not) to control the RF24 radio(9, 10); object instance.
Calls radio.begin() to trigger an SPI hardware handshake, verifying registration access to the wireless chip.
Step 4: Power-On Self-Test (POST) Telemetry
The system prints "===== TEST START =====" to the COM3 Serial Monitor.
Condition Assessment:
If the NRF24L01 answers the SPI query successfully, "NRF24L01: OK" is output to the console.
If the SPI connection fails (e.g., loose wiring or power drop), "NRF24L01: FAIL" is output to notify the developer immediately.
Phase 2: Data Acquisition & Logic Inversion
Step 5: Analog Signal Sampling
The MCU triggers the internal Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) to read raw voltage values from the dual-axis joystick:
Pin A0 (VRX): Reads the X-axis horizontal displacement (returns an integer from 0 to 1023).
Pin A1 (VRY): Reads the Y-axis vertical displacement (returns an integer from 0 to 1023).
Step 6: Digital State Reading & Active-LOW Inversion
Reads the state of the mechanical pushbuttons via digitalRead().
Logic Inversion: Because the pins use internal pull-ups, they read HIGH (1) by default and drop to LOW (0) when pressed. The code uses the logical NOT operator (!) to invert this:
joyButton = !digitalRead(JOY_SW); → Evaluates to 1 (True) when pressed, and 0 (False) when released.
button = !digitalRead(BUTTON); → Evaluates to 1 (True) when pressed, and 0 (False) when released.
The processed variables are sequentially formatted into a human-readable data stream string.
Step 8: Console Printing via COM3
Transmits the string over the USB-to-Serial bus to the PC. The resulting format displayed on the COM3 Serial Monitor is: X=[0-1023] Y=[0-1023] JoySW=[0/1] Button=[0/1]
Executes Serial.println(); to send a newline character (\r\n), preparing the console for the next dataset line.
Phase 4: Execution Timing Control
Step 9: Hardware Refresh Interval
Implements a precise blocking delay of 200 milliseconds (delay(200);). This limits the diagnostic sampling rate to 5 Hz (5 times per second), preventing the serial buffer from overflowing and keeping the live graph/text easy to read for debugging.
Step 10: Cycle Recurrence
The main loop() resets, jumping back directly to Step 5 to refresh and display the newest hardware component states.
The following table summarizes the design alternatives considered for the remote controller enclosure, evaluating the pros and cons of each approach.
Table 2: Comparison of Coding Sub-team Design Alternatives
Option A: Flat Panel
Option B: Ergonomic Handheld
Option C: 3D Box Controller
Description
Simple flat layout with components visible.
Curved, ergonomic grip with internal breadboard.
Compact outer box concealing all wires and components.
Pros
• Simple layout.
• Easy to assemble.
• Comfortable to hold.
• Hides all wires cleanly.
• Easy to hold and operate.
• Lightweight and compact.
Cons
• Exposed wires (not clean).
• Less comfortable to hold.
• Complex curved shape.
• Harder to fabricate.
• (None listed)
table of comparing 3 Solid Works
program Flowchart
Part 1 – System Initialization
Part 2 – Input Processing
Complete Flowchart
Description :This section shows the system start-up process. The Arduino Nano is powered on and initializes the microcontroller, input pins, Serial communication, and the NRF24L01 wireless module.The controller checks the battery condition and attempts to connect with the receiver before entering the main loop.
Description:This section shows how the controller processes user inputs. The Arduino reads the joystick X-axis and Y-axis values and checks the joystick switch and external button. The input signals are converted into control commands, and a dead zone is applied to reduce unintended movement
Description: The complete flowchart combines initialization, input processing, and wireless communication. After successful initialization, the controller repeatedly reads all input devices and creates a control data packet. The packet is sent to the receiver through the NRF24L01 module while the controller remains powered on.
Overall Process
The program begins with hardware initialization and communication verification. It then reads the joystick and pushbutton inputs, processes the data, and transmits the resulting commands to the receiver. This structure allows the remote controller to respond continuously to user inputs while maintaining stable wireless communication.
Solid Works 3D view
The SolidWorks drawing presents the final design of the remote controller box from different viewing angles. It includes the top, front, side, and isometric views, which show the overall shape and structure of the enclosure. The openings on the top cover are designed for the joystick, LED indicator, and pushbutton. The drawing also provides the main dimensions required for manufacturing and assembly. The upper and lower parts of the enclosure can be separated, allowing the internal circuit, battery, and wiring to be installed and maintained easily.
Matrix
The design evaluation matrix compares three controller box designs using six criteria. Each criterion is assigned a weight based on its importance to the final design. Component integration and cable management have the highest weights because the enclosure must securely hold the electronic components and organize the internal wiring. Comfort, ease of assembly, compactness, and fabrication simplicity are also considered.
Design 3 achieved the highest weighted score of 9.2 out of 10. It performed especially well in component integration, cable management, and compactness. Although Design 1 was easier to assemble and fabricate, it provided less effective cable management and lower comfort. Design 2 offered good comfort but received lower scores for assembly and fabrication. Therefore, Design 3 was selected as the final controller box design.
Weighted Decision Matrix of the Enclosure
Criteria
Weight
Option A: Flat Panel
Option B: Ergonomic Handheld
Option C: 3D Box Controller
Component Intergration
25%
5
8
10
Cable Management
25%
3
8
10
Comfort to Hold
20%
4
9
8
Ease of Assembly
15%
9
5
8
Compact & Lightweight
10%
6
6
10
Fabrication Simplicity
5%
9
3
8
Weighted Score
100%
5.2
7.4
9.2
Electrical/Electronic Design
Overview of the electrical and electronic sub-system
Requirements
Functions
Control speed of the bike
Control direction of the bike
Control HVAC system
Control other accessories
Objectives
Maximize speed of the vehicle
Maximize level of safety
Maximize convenience of operation
Constraints
Cannot exceed 9.6V DC, 2.8A
Minimum speed must reach 2km/h
The Design
Coding flow chart
PHOTO
Circuit
Circuit
Three breadboard wiring alternatives were generated:
Alternative 1 — Connections in the middle of one breadboard: all wires that need to be connected in parallel are connected in the middle section of one breadboard.
Connections in the middle of one breadboard
Alternative 2 — Using the power rails: all positive wires are connected to one power rail, and all negative wires are connected to the other power rail.
Using the power rails
Alternative 3 — Using separate breadboards: each component is connected on its own breadboard, and the breadboards are then connected together in parallel.
Using separate breadboards
A weighted decision matrix was used to compare the three designs:
Criterion
Weight
Middle column
of one breadboard
Using the
power rails
Using separate
breadboards
Safety
30%
3
7
7
Reliability
30%
3
6
7
Ease of construction
20%
6
8
4
Space required
20%
8
8
2
Total
100%
4.6
7.1
5.4
Final design: Alternative 2 — Using the power rails, with the highest weighted score (7.1), driven primarily by stronger safety and reliability scores than the middle-breadboard layout, while requiring less space than the separate-breadboards option.
Photo
Drive and Steering Circuit
(needed)
Fan Circuit
Controlled by MOSFET
Nano sends signal to MOSFET gate
MOSFET acts as electronic switch
Fan powered by external power supply
Nano only controls ON/OFF signal
Peltier Circuit
MOSFET controls relay
Relay controls Peltier module
Nano sends control signal
External power used for Peltier
LED connected to Nano
LED turns on during heating mode
Boards Mounting
The Arduino Nano, breadboard, relay/MOSFET circuit, Peltier module, and fans were mounted on the base of the prototype. The breadboard was fixed in one position so the wires would not move during testing. The Peltier module was placed close to the heat sink and fan because the hot side needs cooling.
Autonomous Program
Extra Features
Bell and Car Light:
Both the bell and the car light are extra output features controlled by Arduino Nano digital pins. For each component, the positive wire is connected to a Nano pin and the negative wire is connected to GND. When the pin is set to HIGH, the component turns on; when the pin is set to LOW, it turns off.
Mechanical Design
The mechanical sub-team is responsible for the e-cycle's transmission, steering, suspension, and aircon mounting. This involves designing the rear-wheel drive system, evaluating steering linkage options that allow the vehicle to turn within the required radius, and developing the front suspension and aircon mounting since the team has no dedicated Thermal sub-team. Each design was weighed against the project's strict size, weight, and turning-radius constraints to ensure it integrates well with the rest of the e-cycle.
Requirements
Functions
The mechanical sub-system should provide:
Transfer power from the motor to the rear wheel through the drivetrain
Turn the front wheel left and right in response to the servo input
Support and guide the front wheel while allowing controlled suspension movement
Secure the HVAC unit to the cabin roof while maintaining airflow into the cabin
Objectives
Transfer power from the motor to the rear wheel through the drivetrain
Turn the front wheel left and right in response to the servo input
Support and guide the front wheel while allowing controlled suspension movement
Secure the HVAC unit to the cabin roof while maintaining airflow into the cabin
Constraints
The wall-to-wall turning radius must be 600 mm or less.
The steering mechanism must operate without jamming with the front suspension.
The vehicle width must not exceed 240 mm.
The combination of vehicle length and width must fit within 430 mm × 279 mm.
The mechanical components must be compatible with the provided frame and must not interfere with the wheels, wiring, or HVAC system.
The Design
Transmission
Design 1: A chain drive system consists of two sprockets connected by a roller chain. Power is transmitted through the engagement between the chain links and sprocket teeth, providing a positive mechanical connection without slip.
Design 2: A belt drive system uses a flexible belt wrapped around sprockets or pulleys to transfer rotational motion and mechanical power between shafts.
Design 3: A gear drive system transfers motion and torque through direct contact between meshing gears. The mechanical engagement between gear teeth provides precise motion transmission and high efficiency.
Weight Decision Matrix for Three Design
Criterion
Weight
Chain Drive (Score)
Chain Drive (Weighted)
Belt Drive (Score)
Belt Drive (Weighted)
Gear Drive (Score)
Gear Drive (Weighted)
Efficiency
0.30
4
1.20
3
0.90
5
1.50
Reliability
0.25
4
1.00
3
0.75
4
1.00
Accuracy / No Slip
0.25
4
1.00
2
0.50
5
1.25
Durability
0.20
4
0.80
3
0.60
4
0.80
TOTAL
1.00
4.00
2.75
4.55
Final decision design: Design 3 - Gear Drive:
The gear drive was selected because it provides the highest level of accuracy, reliability, and efficiency among the three alternatives. The absence of slip ensures consistent motion transfer, while the compact design allows effective integration into the final system.
Front Suspension
Three front suspension designs were generated, each converting rotational input into the linear/angular motion needed for the suspension linkage:
Design 1 — Rack and Pinion: converts rotational motion into linear motion. A circular gear (the "pinion") meshes with a straight, toothed bar (the "rack"); as the pinion rotates, it forces the rack to slide in a straight line.
Design 1: Rack and Pinion
Design 2 — Crank and Slider: converts rotary motion into linear reciprocating motion, using a rotating crank, a rigid connecting rod, and a linearly moving slider (piston).
Design 2: Crank and Slider
Design 3 — Reverse Motion Linkage: converts an input movement into an output movement acting in the exact opposite direction — if the input link is pushed, the output link pulls; if the input moves right, the output moves left.
Design 3: Reverse Motion Linkage
We used a weighted decision matrix to compare the three designs.
Weighted decision matrix for selection of fan control
Weight
Rack & Pinion
(Score)
Rack & Pinion
(Weighted)
Crank & Slider
(Score)
Crank & Slider
(Weighted)
Reverse Motion
(Score)
Reverse
Motion (Weighted)
Turning Angle
(larger is better)
0.40
5
2.00
3
1.20
2
0.80
System weight
(lighter is better)
0.40
2
0.80
3
1.20
5
2.00
Durability & wear
0.20
1
0.60
4
0.80
4
0.80
Total
0.10
3.40
3.20
3.60
Final design: Design 3 — Reverse Motion Linkage. According to the weighted decision matrix, the reverse motion linkage is the best overall mechanical solution. Although the rack and pinion system performs better kinematically in terms of turning angle, system weight is weighted equally (40%) given the design's strict lightweight requirements. The reverse motion linkage uses a planar structure with simple pin joints, avoiding the need for high-density machined parts like solid metal racks or sliding guide rails. The resulting reduction in mass and higher durability score outweigh its more limited rotational stroke, making it the most effective mechanism where strict lightweight requirements take priority over maximum angular displacement.
Front Suspension
Steering
An iron wire was chosen to form the servo link between the handlebar and the servo system. Unlike a rubber band, the iron wire is stiff enough to push and pull the handlebar effectively, and resists deforming over long-term use.
Steering System controlled by Servo
Design 1 - Middle Plane Steering: The servo is mounted on a lateral acrylic extension bracket, driving the steering mechanism via a metal linkage. The actuation plane of the linkage is roughly parallel to the horizontal plane of the steering knuckle.
Design 2- Long Linkage Steering: The servo is flush-mounted directly onto the angled main structural plate of the chassis. A longer metal linkage connects upwards at an angle to a T-horn steering arm.
Weight Decision Martix for Two Design
Evaluation Criteria
Weight
Design 1 Score
Design 1 Weighted
Design 2 Score
Design 2 Weighted
Mounting Rigidity
0.3
2
0.6
5
1.5
Spatial Clearance
0.25
2
0.5
4
1
Ease of Assembly
0.2
3
0.6
4
0.8
Buckling Resistance
0.15
4
0.6
2
0.3
Center of Gravity (CG)
0.1
3
0.3
4
0.4
Total Score
1
2.6
4
In micro-electromechanical system design, actuator mounting rigidity and avoidance of structural interference are the most critical factors determining long-term reliability.
While Design 1 benefits from a shorter linkage, its cantilevered mounting method is inherently weak. Continuous vibrations and steering resistance would likely cause structural fatigue, material deformation, or screw loosening over time.
Conversely, Design 2 perfectly resolves the critical mounting rigidity issue, ensuring absolute stability in power output while freeing up space in the upper mechanical zone. The single notable drawback of Design 2—the risk of the long linkage buckling—is easily mitigated in manufacturing by upgrading the wire to a thicker gauge or using higher-carbon steel to increase its bending stiffness. Ultimately, Design 2 provides a vastly more robust and scalable mechanical architecture.
Aircon Mounting
The air-conditioning system is mounted on the roof of the cabin using two 3D-printed fan holders. The HVAC unit is placed between the holders, and the complete assembly is fixed to the roof frame with four screws. This creates a stable connection while allowing the unit to be removed for maintenance.
Each holder includes a circular airflow opening and a rectangular mounting flange. The holder is approximately 53.34 mm wide and 50.80 mm high, with four 4.20 mm mounting holes. The opening allows outside air to pass through the HVAC system and enter the cabin without being significantly blocked.
The fan holders were designed in SolidWorks and manufactured by 3D printing. Roof mounting keeps the HVAC system away from the steering and drivetrain components. The final design is lightweight, simple to assemble, and suitable for further airflow and temperature testing.
Extra Feature
Overview
V-Shaped Elastic Suspension Stabilizer #### Overview The V-Shaped Elastic Suspension Stabilizer is an extra suspension part that helps the front suspension system stay stable. It consists of two elastic bands set up in a V shape, connecting the central chassis to the suspension mounting points.
Design Description
The stabilizer uses elastic tension to create a restoring force when the suspension moves away from its neutral position. This force keeps the wheels aligned and limits excessive side-to-side movement during steering and suspension travel.
Performance Benefits
The system boosts front-end stability by cutting down on wobble and oscillations from uneven loading or road bumps. Additionally, the restoring force helps bring the suspension back to its center after movement, leading to steadier steering. The design is lightweight, affordable, and easy to adjust, making it an effective improvement without adding much weight or complexity to the vehicle.
Structural Design
The structural team is engaged in developing the vehicle’s main frame, body enclosure, door and latch mechanisms, as well as exterior mountings for the HVAC and lighting systems, in accordance with the specified project requirements.
Requirements
Functions
The structural sub-team's purpose is to design the exterior and internal frame of the electric cycle which is able to:
Protect the internal mechanical and electronic components while maintaining structural integrity for operation in both sunny and rainy conditions.
Provide secure placement and mounting for the breadboard, battery, acceptor, and motor.
Integrate functional, operable doors that allow access to the interior while maintaining the vehicle's enclosure.
Provide space and mounting interfaces for the AC/HVAC system and two external lights.
Objectives
Our design objective is to consider the following aspects:
Maintain a reasonable, effective, and aesthetically sound overall vehicle design.
Ensure high-precision manufacturing of components via SolidWorks and 3D printing.
Achieve a seamless assembly of all mechanical and electronic sub-systems within the vehicle body.
Constraints
The design of the vehicle structure is limited by its size and the specific components it must accommodate:
The width of the vehicle must not exceed 240 mm, and the overall footprint must fit within 430 × 279 mm.
The design must ensure the vehicle is capable of surviving and operating in both sunny and rainy environments.
The structure must include dedicated space for the AC/HVAC system, battery, control electronics (breadboard/acceptor), and motor while ensuring ease of assembly.
The Design
Enclosure
The following table summarizes the design alternatives considered for the vehicle enclosure, evaluating the pros and cons of each approach.
Flat panel bent into an open enclosure shape with side tabs.
Box-shaped 3D-printed frame with large side/front openings.
3D-printed corner supports and mounting points with laser-cut panels.
Pros
Easy and fast fabrication.
Fewer parts to assemble (single sheet).
Lightweight structure.
Large openings allow easy access to internal components.
Reduces total 3D printing time.
Panels are easy to replace or modify.
Cons
Potential for heavy weight.
High risk of material cracking at bend lines.
Extremely long printing time (~17 hours).
Difficult to modify after printing.
Difficulty connecting thick panels to the 3D-printed frame.
Risk of increased overall weight.
We used a Weighted Decision Matrix to compare the three designs.
Weighted Decision Matrix of the Enclosure
Weight
Design 1:
Laser cutting
Design 2:
3D Printed
Design 3:
Hybrid Design
Weight
30%
2
5
2
Strength/Stability
25%
2
4
3
Ease of Manufacturing
20%
4
3
2
Component Access
15%
3
4
4
Design Flexibility
10%
2
5
4
Total
100%
2.55
4.25
2.75
The Design 2: 3D Printed Enclosure had the highest score and was selected.
After carefully evaluating the design alternatives, Design 2 (3D Printed Enclosure) emerged as the optimal choice for our structural design. It offers excellent accessibility for internal components through its large front and side openings, which facilitates efficient maintenance of the breadboard and battery. Furthermore, the design provides an effective mounting strategy by using the existing rear frame screws and custom bottom-mounting parts that function as washers to ensure the enclosure is clamped securely in place. By incorporating a removable top cover, it allows for easy adjustments to the internal electronics while maintaining proper ventilation for the vehicle's components. Therefore, based on these considerations, Design 2 has been selected as our preferred design.
Door
Design 1: Rod-based Mechanism
Design 2: Dual-hinge Mechanism
Pros
Simple and straightforward design concept.
Operates easily via a rotating rod.
High Stability: Provides a secure and reliable connection.
Precise Alignment: Enables seamless fitting with the windshield and enclosure.
Improved Accessibility: Makes it easier for the driver to enter and exit.
Cons
Poor structural integrity.
The rod is too fragile to securely hold the door in place.
Requires higher manufacturing precision to ensure perfect alignment.
We used a Weighted Decision Matrix to compare the two designs.
Weighted Decision Matrix of the Door
Criteria
Weight
Door Design 1
Door Design 2
Strength&Durability
30%
2
5
Ease of Manufacturing
20%
4
4
Ease of Assembly
20%
3
5
Reliability
20%
2
5
Cost
10%
4
4
Total
100%
0.56
0.94
After evaluating the alternatives, the Dual-hinge mechanism (Design 2) was selected as the optimal choice. It offers superior mechanical stability and structural integrity compared to the fragile rod-based design. The hinges ensure precise alignment with the windshield and enclosure, creating a reliable, weather-resistant seal while providing improved accessibility for the driver. Given its robustness and professional integration, Design 2 is the preferred solution to meet our structural requirements.
Natural Ventilation
Natural Ventilation
The vehicle incorporates a protective plastic film seal around the enclosure to ensure a secure and weather-resistant interior. To address thermal management, side vents are strategically positioned to facilitate natural airflow and heat dissipation. This dual-purpose design protects internal components from external environmental conditions while maintaining optimal operating temperatures for the battery and electronics.
Convertible Roof
Convertible Roof
The convertible roof features a modular, removable lid that allows for quick and effortless access to the vehicle's interior. This design facilitates efficient maintenance and adjustments for critical components, including the battery, receiver, and wiring. By prioritizing accessibility and ease of use, this feature significantly reduces downtime during routine checks and system upgrades.
Structural sub-system performance results
Dimensional Accuracy: The final assembly adheres strictly to the required footprint of 430 × 279 mm, ensuring optimal spatial efficiency.
Structural Integrity: The 3D-printed enclosure provides a rigid foundation. Custom-printed washers and rear-frame mounting points successfully secured the enclosure, preventing vibration-related displacement.
Environmental Resilience: Integration of the protective seal and side vents allowed for effective thermal management, facilitating heat dissipation while maintaining structural integrity during simulated rain and sun conditions.
Accessibility and Efficiency: The Convertible Roof Mechanism (Extra Feature) significantly reduced maintenance downtime, allowing for immediate access to the battery and wiring without compromising structural stability.
Glazing/Window Integration: The structural design incorporates dedicated mounting interfaces for the windshield and side windows. This ensures a precision fit with the door mechanism, maintaining a closed-envelope integrity required for weather protection.
Recommendations
Manufacturing Tolerance: 3D-printed components may deviate from original CAD models. Incorporate "tolerance offsets" into designs to ensure seamless assembly of parts.
Mechanical Actuation Upgrade: For future door or pop-up mechanisms, consider replacing standard servos with a DG01D-A130 Gear Motor for consistent performance.
Drill Sizing and Material Care: Precise drill sizing is critical to avoid loose connections. When laser-cutting panels, strictly control heat settings to prevent edge deformation, which could compromise the seal integrity.
Future Glazing Upgrades: While the current design utilizes fixed paneling for window protection, future iterations could implement vacuum-formed glazing to further improve aerodynamic efficiency and optical clarity at the windshield interface.
Conclusion
We designed, fabricated and assembled a prototype that demonstrates that a room can meet the current BC Building Code requirement of intentional fresh air intake, and yet be energy efficient. (summarise the final design decisions) Our test results are:
Test results
Air exchange test
Heat loss test
Weight
Load test
101 seconds
640 joules
0.94 kg
Passed
For comparison, we removed the heat exchanger and ran the heat loss test. The prototype was unable to attain the required 10°C temperature higher than ambient temperature. By our estimates, that would require a heater power about 15% higher than what we installed. Putting this additional energy required into SolidWorks Sustainability software, the additional environmental impact over a 20 year lifespan of the room would be 2.3 tons of CO2 emission. The SolidWorks Sustainability Report is attached in the Appendix.
The computer rendering of the prototype is shown below:
Our e-cycle was designed with environmental responsibility in mind across three key areas: materials, energy and end of life.
Materials
The structural enclosure uses acrylic plastic panels, chosen for their lightweight properties and potential for reuse. All 3D printed components were produced using PLA (polylactic acid), a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources. The vacuum-formed panels were fabricated using a reusable mould, minimising material waste during the fabrication process.
Energy
The e-cycle is powered by an electric motor that produces zero direct emissions during operation. The Peltier cooling system was selected over conventional refrigerant-based systems as it requires no refrigerant gases, reducing the risk of harmful chemical release. Standard replaceable batteries are used throughout the prototype and can be recycled at designated battery drop-off points.
End of Life
All electronic components including the Arduino Nano, NRF24L01 module, breadboard and wiring are fully reusable after the project concludes. The acrylic panels can be recut and repurposed for future use. The entire prototype was designed to be disassembled easily, ensuring individual components can be separated and handled appropriately at end of life.
Conclusion
Our team successfully designed and built a fully enclosed remote-controlled electric cycle over 10 weeks, integrating five sub-systems — coding, electrical, mechanical, structural and documentation — into one functional prototype demonstrated at the UBC Vantage One Capstone Conference on July 6, 2026. Throughout this process, the team learned that cross sub-team communication is critical, that design iterations improve the final product, and that engineering requires carefully balancing all functions, objectives and constraints simultaneously. If given the opportunity to repeat this project, the team would begin fabrication earlier, conduct RC range testing sooner and refine the cooling system efficiency further. The team would like to thank Dr. Seach Chyr Goh and TA Alqeshira Feyza for their guidance and support throughout the project.
References
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About Us
Sub-Teams Information
Documentation
Name: Khaing Yati Soe
Position: Documentation Sub-team Member
I am Khaing Yati Soe, one of the two members of the Documentation sub-team of VD1 Team 2! I am responsible for formatting the team's main wiki page, compiling content from all sub-teams, assembling the oral presentation slides and verifying that all sub-team designs work together in one SolidWorks assembly. It might sound like a lot to handle, but working through each challenge has shown me just how much I am capable of. This project has pushed me to grow not just as an engineer, but as a communicator and a team player.
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Name: Julie Li,
Position: Documentation Sub-team Member
I am Julie Li, and I am proud to be part of the Documentation sub-team! My role focuses on integrating our collective efforts into a cohesive Wiki page, where I am responsible for formatting the final content, drafting the project conclusion, and maintaining the team’s Gantt chart to keep us on track. Collaborating closely with my teammates, I also contribute to developing our presentation slides, sustainability analysis, and overall project reports. While managing these tasks is a significant responsibility, working together has allowed us to refine our ideas and push our potential to the limit. I am excited to share the results of our hard work with you!
Electrical/Electronic
Name: Sijia Guo
Position: Electrical Sub-Team Member
Hello everyone! My name is Sijia Guo, and I am a member of the Electrical Sub-Team for the VANT 151 Capstone Project.
In this project, my main responsibility was to connect and test the electrical circuits of the vehicle. I worked on making the motors run properly, controlling the direction of the servo motor, and connecting the NRF24 wireless communication module. These components were important because they allowed the vehicle to move, turn, and receive control signals.
Through this experience, I improved my understanding of circuit connections, Arduino control, and troubleshooting electrical problems. I also learned how important careful testing and teamwork are when building a working engineering system. Overall, this project helped me develop both my technical skills and collaboration skills.
Name: Jihan Yang
Position: Electrical Sub-Team Member
Hello everyone! My name is Jihan Yang, and I am a member of the Electrical Sub-Team for the VANT 151 Capstone Project. Being part of this team was a valuable experience because it allowed me to apply electrical knowledge to a real engineering project.
My main focus was on designing and connecting the electrical system of our project, including the Arduino, motor control, relay, MOSFET, Peltier module, fans, buzzer, and lights. I also worked on wiring different components and testing whether they could function properly together.
Through this project, I improved my understanding of circuits, power control, and troubleshooting. For example, I learned how the relay can be used to switch the Peltier module between heating and cooling, and how a MOSFET can be used to safely control higher-current components.
Besides the technical skills, I also improved my teamwork and communication skills by working with other sub-teams. This project helped me understand the importance of careful planning, testing, and collaboration in engineering design.
Mechanical
Name: Shangxi wu
Position: echanical Sub-team Member
Hi! My name is Shangxi Wu, and I am a member of the Mechanical Sub-team for the VANT 151 Multi-disciplinary Engineering Design Project. Being part of this team has been a valuable experience that allowed me to apply my interest in mechanical design and problem-solving to a real engineering project.
My main focus in this project was designing and improving the vehicle’s mechanical systems, especially the front suspension mechanism and steering system. I worked on a linkage-based tilting suspension design, which helps the vehicle shift its center of gravity inward during cornering and improves stability. I also contributed to the steering system to expand the turning angle as big as possible.
Through this project, I gained more experience in SolidWorks modeling, prototyping, mechanical analysis, and teamwork. I also learned the importance of testingand making a great time management. Overall, this project strengthened my understanding of the engineering design process and helped me develop both technical and collaboration skills.
Name: Kevin Wu
Position: Mechanical Sub-team Member
I am Kevin Wu, a member of the Mechanical sub-team, focusing on the core mobility and performance aspects of our vehicle. My primary responsibilities involve designing and engineering the front suspension system to ensure vehicle stability, as well as developing the drive train to optimize power transmission. These tasks required a deep dive into mechanical kinematics and rigorous testing to ensure seamless performance. Working on this project has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to translate theoretical mechanical concepts into a functional, robust design. I am proud of the mechanical foundation we have built and look forward to sharing our development process with you!
Name: Runde Zhou
Position: Mechanical Sub-team Member
Hi, my name is Runde Zhou, and I am a member of the Mechanical Sub-team for Team 2. My main responsibility was designing and installing the air-conditioning mounting system. I designed two 3D-printed fan holders that join together to form a protective housing, which was then secured to the roof of the vehicle frame. I also assisted with the assembly and improvement of the transmission and steering systems. In addition, I was responsible for writing and organizing parts of our team's Wiki. I documented the Mechanical Sub-team’s Requirements.
Through this project, I improved my skills in SolidWorks, prototyping, mechanical assembly, and design ability. I also learned that testing, clear documentation, and communication between team members are quite important for success.
Structural
Name: Shijun Huang
Position: Structural Sub-team Member
Hello everyone! My name is Shijun Huang, and I am a member of the Structure sub-team for the VANT 151 Capstone Project. In this project, my main work was designing the outer enclosure for our vehicle. I created the 3D model in SolidWorks and designed the way to fix the enclosure onto the vehicle frame. I also worked on an extra feature: an openable roof cover, which makes it easier to access the inside components while still protecting them.
Through this project, I learned more about SolidWorks, structural design, teamwork, and how to turn ideas into a real product. This experience also helped me improve my problem-solving skills and communication with other team members.
Name: Jiale Li
Position: Structural Sub-team Member
Hello everyone, my name is Jiale Li, a proud member of the structural sub-team. Being part of this team has been an incredible experience, allowing me to fully leverage my passion and skills. My main responsibilities include designing the doors and door hinges for the remote-controlled car, as well as developing content for the structural group's wiki page. I also maintain constant communication and coordination with members of the mechanical sub-team, which has greatly enhanced my collaboration skills across different sub-teams and ensured efficient task completion. In this role, I've gained valuable experience in brainstorming design solutions and have refined my ability to summarize key structural performance indicators. Moreover, I've gradually come to appreciate the importance of creativity and imagination in engineering design.
Name: Qianpeng Ma
Position: Structural Sub-team Member
Hello everyone! My name is Qianpeng Ma, and I am a member of the Structural Sub-team for the VANT 151 E-cycle Design Project.
My main responsibility was designing the vehicle enclosure and its supporting components, including the side panels, windshield, doors. I also contributed to developing lightweight structural concepts that balanced protection, ventilation, manufacturability, and ease of assembly. In addition， I designed the enclosure panels, planned the bolt-hole locations, and ensured the enclosure could be securely assembled using screws while remaining easy to install and maintain.
During this project, I strengthened my SolidWorks design skills and learned how to collaborate effectively with other sub-teams to ensure all mechanical, electrical, and cooling components fit together properly. This experience improved my engineering design, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while giving me a deeper understanding of the complete product development process.
Coding
Name: Qiansheng Zhang
Position: Coding Sub-team Member
Hello everyone! My name is Qiansheng Zhang, and I am a member of the Coding Team in Team 2 for the VANT 151 Capstone Project. In this project, my main responsibility was to participate in the development of the remote controller. My work involved not only the wireless control system but also the overall design of the controller, including the arrangement of electronic components, wiring of control buttons, design of the controller housing, and writing code to assist in controlling vehicle movement. During the development process, I focused on making the remote controller more practical and easier to use. For example, I helped organize the internal layout so that different components could fit properly inside the case. At the same time, I tested the button functions and adjusted the code to ensure the controller responded correctly during operation. Through this project, I gained experience in combining hardware design with software control, and deepened my understanding of Arduino programming and electronic components. Overall, the project enhanced my coding skills and engineering thinking.
Name: Chaoli Wang
Position: Documentation Sub-team
Hello everyone! My name is Chaoli Wang, and I am a member of the Coding Sub-team for the VANT 151 Capstone Project. My main responsibility was developing and testing the remote-control system for our project. I worked with an Arduino Nano, an NRF24L01 wireless module, a joystick, and buttons to send control signals from the controller to the main device. During the project, I wrote and debugged the Arduino code, tested the joystick and button inputs, and checked the wireless communication between the transmitter and receiver. I also worked closely with the electrical team to make sure that the components were connected correctly and that the code worked properly with the hardware. Through this experience, I improved my programming, circuit-testing, and problem-solving skills. I also learned how important communication and teamwork are when different sub-teams need to combine their work into one complete system. This project gave me valuable experience in Arduino programming, wireless communication, hardware integration, and engineering design.
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