Expandable Car
Foldaway Car
Inflatable Car
Transformobile
car: adjustable
Transformobile
Separates into two motorcycles
(-2, +4) [vote for,
against]
A car made of three modules that all fit together. The master "cab" module,
which is essentially the car's interior and frame. Attaching to this on
either side are two detachable 'motorcycle' drive systems - two wheeled units, each containing a separate engine, drive train, fuel storage, front and
rear wheels and braking system. These are designed such that they are capable of being operated autonomously as standard motorcycles (perhaps with a
fold-out handlebar system of some sort). When they are connected to the cab, they sync up with each other and to a set of centralized controllers in
the cab, allowing each drive system to be operated in tandem via standard car controls in the cab (wheel, pedals, etc).
The cab has a retractable footing that supports it while the bike drive modules
are disconnected. It also contains a third fuel receptacle for the additional fuel supplies needed to drive the assembled unit. More than likely,
entry and exit would need to be from the rear of the cab.
Many many details to work out.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- waugsqueke, Nov 06 2001
[link]
Without wishing to speculate on the merits of this idea, putting 2
motorbikes in a trailer and pulling it behind you might be a better way to achieve the same effect. Sadly I don't see this faring any better than flying
cars or amphibious cars.
On the other hand, if you could press a button and ride off on the bikes, this
would be very cool indeed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- pottedstu, Nov 06 2001
That's not really the effect I'm after, p'stu. The goal here is to
create a single vehicle system which breaks down into two smaller vehices,
but with the single and dual vehicle configurations using the same power system.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- waugsqueke, Nov 06 2001
Candid Camera showed a short of some Japanese students that did this very thing. They rode around town like a normal car and then split in the middle of traffic. They made sure that a camera was around so that they could catch the expressions on peoples faces. I remember one time in particular where the 'car' was going straight at a traffic cop and then split, the cop was just standing there looking dumbfounded. Very funny stuff.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- barnzenen, Nov 06 2001
The idea being that if there's only one or two of you going somewhere, you can be more efficient by using a motorcycle instead of a car?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- snarfyguy, Nov 06 2001
Partially that, and it also would be a good purchase for those who want to buy a car and a motorcycle.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- waugsqueke, Nov 06 2001
barnz, what would have happened if the split mechanism had failed? it's this kind of tomfoolery that costs lives, I tell you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- lewisgirl, Nov 06 2001
I suppose the problems are (1) what units would the two arrangements have in common, and (2) what alterations to their shapes would you need to stick them together?
If you were prepared to sit on 2 bikes inside a waterproof cage, then that would be one answer, but maybe not much fun. If you wanted actual seats, you'd have to move the engines and seats to the front/back (not the sides) if you had a traditional 4-seat car arrangement. Also lots of things like tyres would have to be compromises.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- pottedstu, Nov 06 2001
Ah, but [lewisgirl], think about all the lives that were enriched by it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- barnzenen, Nov 06 2001
I guess you could stick the bikes under the bonnet (US: hood), and control the bike engines and steering from seats behind them. That'd work, but the bonnet/hood would be long and high.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- pottedstu, Nov 06 2001
You could build it like a chariot. Harness the horses... oops bikes... in front and whip them into action.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- st3f, Nov 06 2001
This could solve downtown parking problems, just leave half the car to save your parking spot while you enjoy that extra long lunch.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ArtVandelay, Nov 07 2001
This reminds me of a bit from 'Duck Soup'.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- angel, Nov 07 2001
?! a) I'm not looking for help.
b) Do some research? Where's the fun in that?
c) Who ever said I was an inventor?
d) You obviously had the same incorrect perception of the point of this idea as did pottedstu initially (see first annotation).
e) What the hell are you on about?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- waugsqueke, Nov 08 2001
[waugsqueke] More to the point, what the hell is he on? !!!?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- cp, Nov 08 2001
and I thought that you were proposing we all drive around in transformer style robots. oh well nice idea anyway.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- kaz, Nov 08 2001
thank heaven he is not in London
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- po, Nov 08 2001
No, [mp9man], why don't *you* look at *this* one. You'll find that, however impractical this may be, it fits in pretty well.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- angel, Nov 09 2001
mp9man - Are you trying to be stupid or do you just seem that way because of your irrational thought?
// My city buses have bicycle carriers on the front of them. There they are two vehicles in one. //
That's fantastic. Most cities do. The major problem with this quote is that it has almost absolutely fucking nothing to do with waugsqueke's idea, unless you have your own personal bus system which is capable of absorbing the bike and becoming 2 motorcycles, which is closer to the idea at hand. Of course, through your "reasoning" (using the term loosely) I could easily conclude that a rock is the exact same thing as an airplane, since rocks are, on occasion, eaten by ogres and airplanes attacked King Kong, and that airplanes suck and we should only fly on rocks.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AfroAssault, Nov 09 2001
[edit] [delete]
// I think it should NEVER been thought of! // Fine, [mp9man], thanks for your incipient censorship. We'll all un-think our bad thoughts now.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- snarfyguy, Nov 09 2001
After reading more of mp9man's annotations, I've decided he's a troll. Perhaps we could benefit from ignoring him altogether...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AfroAssault, Nov 09 2001
[edit] [delete]
I tend to agree with Afro on this. Trollish.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- bristolz, Nov 09 2001
Since I live in L.A., I will make it my lifes purpose to run over each and every Moped rider I see until I see confirmation on Evening News that mp9man has had toe tagged.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- thumbwax, Nov 10 2001
I love it when n00bs tell us we're all stupid. I guess it's almost xmas when the kiddies get computers.
I like the idea, although I wouldn't use it. Might be better to make the cab a sidecar so you can carry it around with you. Otherwise it wouldn't be all that convienent...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- StarChaser, Nov 11 2001
I love it when n00bs tell us we're all stupid
I like the idea, although I wouldn't use it. Might be better to make the cab a sidecar so you can carry it around with you. Otherwise it wouldn't be all that convienent...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- StarChaser, Nov 11 2001
//And if it was purposely that is Manslaughter. // I thought it was murder if it was intentional, and manslaughter if it wasn't?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- lewisgirl, Nov 12 2001
Are threatening statements to kill people not also covered by the first amendment then?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -alx, Nov 12 2001
manslaughter is the Killing of a Human Being. mp9man not Human. Are you too Stupid to not Realize That? Or just enyious of hiz cool Moped?
("Please Mr FBI, Thumbwax said some Bad words about me." "Well, sure, Mr mp9man. We got arab terrorists trying to blow up our buildings, neo-nazi survivalists mailing anthrax everywhere, planes falling out of the sky hither and yon, but I'm sure we can spare some time to go read halfbakery for a few days.")
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- pottedstu, Nov 12 2001
better watch out -alx, and pottedstu too, or he'll put us in his little black notebook... Ven zis vor iss over, vee vill vish vee had not said such things.
(This is all reminding me of that episode of Dad's Army... "Vot is your name?" "Don't tell him, Pike!")
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- lewisgirl, Nov 12 2001
I know that this is going to hurt but here goes...
I sort of agree with mp9man's version of this and I'm sure I saw a concept car a little while ago that came with a pair of motor scooters in the back.
waug's idea is nice but with all those linkages I suspect that, given the car industry's record on such things, reliability would be a bit of an issue.
Lest anyone suspect that I sympathise entirely with mp9man, I'd just like to add that, combined with his 134mpg moped, the shitbox truck that he drives must bring his overall average down to about 30mpg.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DrBob, Nov 12 2001
Indeed, practicality is not a strength here. I see problems in creating workable suspension for the thing. SC's on it tho - a sidecar shared by two bikes, from which you can remotely drive them both. Side vision would be an issue.
mp9man, no apologies necessary when your offense has no credence.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- waugsqueke, Nov 12 2001
DrBob, I said that first, so you can agree with me if you'd rather. Omygod, that means I agree with mp9man too. Quick, get me my trepanning drill and a bottle of Scotch! No, wait, I changed my mind, didn't I. Oops too late. Anyone know a good brain recipe?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- pottedstu, Nov 12 2001
I agree with pottedstu.
(Damn, 'stu! I thought I could bluff people into thinking that I had some genuine insight to bring to the discussion but you had to ruin it all, didn't you?)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DrBob, Nov 12 2001
I am somewhat in favor of this idea, but here's a couple of problems:
1. The suspension systems for vehicles are designed around an expected load. So a suspension system suitable on a 4-wheeled car would be overkill on a motorcycle; ocnversely, a motorcycle suspension would be too light for a car. This is perhaps a solvable problem.
2. At high speeds, the alignment of all 4 wheels is critical for stability and handling. With 2 halves that come together - if it is going to be a consumer-level action, and easily done (like Lego) - guaranteeing alignment will be very difficult, if not impossible.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- quarterbaker, Nov 12 2001
Whilst not the most established member of halfbakery I do agree that people like mp9man are more than a little bit annoying. Anyway I like this idea (even if it isn't a car that turns into a robot) but I must agree with 1/4baker on the supsension thingy, although I also think that this is something easily solved. Anyway I'm off to be enyious of mp9mans uninsured moped....
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- kaz, Nov 12 2001
I would like an apology from Thumbwax. I am ex US Navy. I held a Topsecret clearance. The FBI Knows who I am, Do they know YOU. I am not threating you, Thumbwax. You threatend ME!! To run off the road any Moped drivers. A toe tag on "MP9MAN"I made a comment, You THREATENED MY LIFE!! Damn you! I served in The US NAVY not to be killed on a Moped here in the US???? I served this United States of America with MY Life!!!! And YOU WANT to see a "toe tag on mp9man on the evening news". It was just a rebuttal, Thumbwax, lighten up! Your response is necessary. ASAP.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- mp9man, Nov 14 2001
deffo troll. deffo.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- lewisgirl, Nov 14 2001
^ Imposter or return-of?
We all know it's a first degree felony to say you're going to toe tag someone's screenname.
I'm going to murder kewtgrrl312.
I've just threatened 9,482,293 teenage girls in Laflortia alone. By the way, the "Top Secret" documents you have access to aren't really "Top Secret," even if Tony the Tiger's decoder ring tells you they are.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AfroAssault, Nov 14 2001
[edit] [delete]
I AM THE mp9man and I live near Los Angeles, CA. God! U use it as a Joke. I AM NOT JOKING HERE!!!! I AM OUT OF HERE AND MY REPORT IS GOING TO FORWARDED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- mp9man, Nov 14 2001
GOING TO FORWARDED?! OH NO! I HOPE MR. FORWARDED, HEAD DIRECTOR OF THE FBI'S TOP SECRET NAVY DIVISION, DOESN'T ARREST ME FOR THREATENING ALL THOSE PRETEEN GIRLS! I'LL BE PUT IN PRISON FOR LIFE!
I AM ALSO GOING TO EAT YOUR BABIES.
OH NO! I THREATEND U AGIN!!!!! IM GONG 2 JAIL FER SHURE!!!!! TELL MR. FORWARDED IM SORRY AND ID DIDNT MEEN 2 STEAL HIS TURNIP SOUP!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AfroAssault, Nov 14 2001
[edit] [delete]
Afro!
chill, Winston.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- lewisgirl, Nov 14 2001
[annotate]
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