Designing The Process for Manufacturing DOTT Hand-Pedaled Tricycles
The DOTT series of tricycles were designed as part of a completely integrated manufacturing approach. The goal is to provide the builder with a "turn-key" system for manufacturing the tricycle. The assembly fixtures shown are a set of four different fixtures that allow alignment and welding labor time to be reduced to less than 25% of what it would normally be.
Additionally, they greatly reduce the skill level required. All of these fixtures can rotate 360 degrees and lock at any convenient angle for loading, welding and removal.
These fixtures have been specially designed to allow the disabled themselves to play a vital role in the assembly process. One site in North Africa has already started initial production (January, 2008) with over 20 tricycles built in the first month of operation. Several other organizations have African, South American and Middle Eastern sites in the early stages. Designed from the outset to be within the purchasing power of small charity organizations, they can be obtained for less than $1500 per set.
