Expert: Scott A Wilson - 11/27/2011

Question
Dear Prof Scott

This is regarding a Complex 4 Wheeler Automobile Design Model VIZ
Cars, Jeeps, Lorries, Bus, Tempo etc.

1. Mirrored Structure - i.e. Engine on both sides.
The Driver can sit either on front or rear side (this was the place for storage) to drive the vehicle.  

2. Diagonally Steering Wheel, Brakes, Clutches, Gears positions for both Left hand and right hand drive vehicles.


Limitations
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1. Storage Information - where to keep the Storage ?. Top of the Vehicle Roof and place where one opens the car door similar to aeroplane cargo place remains the only option ?

2. Cost Factor may go up.

3. The Design could be a complex one ?

Do you feel if this design model is manufactured there could be any benefits to the consumer ?

Awaiting your views and thoughts,

Answer
1st
1&2. If each vehicle is designed so that the driver can be in more than one location,
this would generate wasted space.  If the driver was allowed to choose beforehand
and stick to that spot, it would be more economical.

2nd
1.  The storage would be in a spot where the driving was not.
If it was on top, any driving position could be chosen.

2. This is why I suggested only one position, for not only would having multiple selections put the price up, it would reduce storage capacity.

3. Yes, if many choices were in each design, it would be a complex one.  There would need to be a switch somewhere to distinguish between which one was used.  If the break, gas pedal, and steering wheel were designed separate with various places to attach them that made them work,
this would make the complex design a little simpler.  With computers being the way they are, designing various places to hook them up could be electronic, but the attachment would still have to be a solid physical method.

The only benefit I see is if the consumer were rich enough to transport the vehicle to another country.  I'm not sure this would reduce costs at all when compared to owning a vehicle in each country.  Perhaps slightly if they had no way to store it in several countries, but I bet most countries have something similar to the U-haul storage garages in the USA.