Abstract

Background: Rickshaws are a popular and inexpensive mode of transportation in Bangladesh for short-distance travel. However, the eye leaf spring in a typical rickshaw suspension system does not provide adequate shock isolation. The coil spring-damper suspension system is more effective, but is costly and not affordable for most manufacturers. Thus, the goal is to modify the eye leaf spring to be inexpensive but a safe and comfortable suspension.

Aim: The study aimed to modify the material and structure of the leaf spring to limit the stiffness and the shock energy within a certain range suitable for the rickshaw’s suspension. The focus of the study was on modifying the spring structure, which could be cost-effective.

Methods: In this study, flexible bolted joints and EVA sheets have been used to change the spring structure. The study compared the performance of the modified spring with the typical eye leaf spring.

Results: The modified eye leaf spring provided improved shock isolation and a more comfortable ride compared to the typical eye leaf spring. The changes made to the spring, such as the use of flexible bolted joints and EVA sheets, limited the stiffness and shock energy within a certain range suitable for the rickshaw’s suspension. The modified spring was also found to be cost-effective.

Conclusion: The study has demonstrated the feasibility of using a modified eye leaf spring for light vehicle suspensions, specifically for rickshaws. The modifications made to the spring structure, such as using flexible bolted joints and EVA sheets, provided improved shock isolation, a more comfortable ride, and cost-effectiveness. The modified spring offers an inexpensive solution for manufacturers to produce rickshaws with a safer and more comfortable suspension system.