Igus Supports Urban Commuting Vehicle

Igus recently announced iglide self-lubricating, maintenance-free plastic bearings are being used in the design and development of a single-passenger, urban commuting vehicle. The Personal Transport Vehicle - Ground, or "PTV-G", is the brainchild of Redbud Technology LLC out of Union Grove, Ala. Its unique design uses an articulated steering geometry, which means the inclined steering pivot is positioned just behind the occupant, and as a result reacts like a high-performance, two-wheeled motorcycle.

Iglide plastic plain bearings are used in both the independent rear suspension and in the rear wheel lean-and-tilt mechanisms. iglide plastic bearings are ideal for the harsh, dirty operating environment of the vehicle since they will not corrode and require no maintenance or external lubrication. The low cost and easy installation of the bearings is also an important benefit.

In conjunction with the company's Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program, igus donated the bearings at no cost to a group of students working on the project. This vehicle's subsystems are being assigned to high school seniors and community college and university programs as special projects in order to encourage a younger generation to participate and excel in the study of science, engineering and manufacturing technologies.

Redbud is committed to projects which serve as educational resources to advance the knowledge of those who study and practice design, engineering and manufacturing in the United States of America. Redbud seeks to establish relationships with educational institutions and seasoned mentors to foster new learning models. igus' Y.E.S. Program has a similar mission: to foster the mechanical design ideas of students with a passion for engineering, while at the same time educating them on the merits and benefits of plastic components.

Redbud Technology is actively evolving the design and engineering of an urban commuting Personal Transport Vehicle (PTV-G) based on the plan form of a delta trike. The Redbud PTV-G will serve as an educational resource to help technical high school, community college and university students develop and analyze advanced single passenger commuting concepts which includes fundamental 3-D CAD/CAE/CAM, design, innovative engineering and economical manufacturing, assembly, and lifecycle maintenance.